2017 Qupe Grenache

About Qupe Grenache 2017:

A superb expression of Californian Grenache — proof that the state can produce world-class examples of the variety. A fruity, elegant expression of Grenache which will reward at least five years’ aging.

Tasting Notes:

The nose is instantly expressive and characteristically Grenache, with aromas of raspberry, red cherry, and licorice, backed up by blackberry and black pepper from the Syrah and Mourvèdre.

Barrel Selection:

Aged for 16 months in French oak, 20% new.

Growing Notes:

Qupé focuses on cool climate expressions of Rhône varietals due to a distinctive geographical feature that sets them apart from most other regions of California, as all vineyards are all located in East-West valleys (vs North-South) which function as open windows to the cool Pacific Ocean. The benefit to the vineyards of being along the coast and running East-West is that the cold, moist air gets pulled in and creates a layer of morning cloud cover over the vines which reduces temperatures and sun exposure on the grapes. This is why cool climate varieties excel in the coastal regions of the Central Coast and allows Qupé to focus on cool climate expressions of Rhone varietals. East-West valleys on the Central Coast that Qupé sources from include Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Los Alamos Valley and Santa Rita Hills/Santa Ynez Valley.

Winemaking Notes:

Added Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes also lend a firm tannic structure to Grenache’s gentle texture, all rounded out in a long, spicy finish. A fruity, elegant expression of Grenache which will reward at least five years’ aging.

To maximize fruit extraction, the winery used 33% whole clusters in an open-top fermenter, stomping on the whole clusters before de-stemming the rest. The wine was then aged for 16 months in French oak, 20% new.

About The Winery:

Qupé is honored to be a member of the Rhone Rangers, America’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting American Rhone varietal wines. American Rhone-style wines are made from the same grapes that have flourished for centuries in France’s Rhone River Valley, and their growing popularity in the United States speaks to their versatility with food, wide range of rich flavors, and to the skills of American winemakers. The Rhone Ranger’s mission is to educate the public on Rhone varietal wine grapes grown in America and to promote the production and enjoyment of these wines, with emphasis on integration into our daily lives. For a wine to qualify as a “Rhone Rangers” wine, the winery must be a member of the organization and 75% of the wine’s content must include one or more of the twenty-two traditional Rhone grape varieties as approved by the French government for the wines of the Cotes du Rhone (including Petite Sirah/Durif).

The name “qupé” was chosen to honor the Chumash, the indigenous people of the Golden State’s Central Coast and Channel Islands.

In Chumash, “qupé” refers to the poppy, a flowering plant traditionally used for food and medicine. In 1903 the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was officially designated the state flower, and every spring masses of the bright orange blossoms still blanket local hills and back country.