Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Our inaugural release of this varietal, the 2023 Pellegrini Grenache, opens with inviting aromatics of plum, juniper, allspice, and supple leather. On the palate, it shows a firm structure with mouth-filling tannins, yet remains bright and red-toned at the front, revealing flavors of raspberry, baking spice, and subtle hints of licorice.
Vineyard Notes
Our Grenache is sourced from both Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley, including a small portion grown right here at Olivet Lane in our experimental block of emerging red varietals. To complete the varietal expression, we partnered with the Anax Vineyard, an old-vine planting in the eastern hills of Dry Creek Valley whose owners cultivate a full range of classic Rhône varieties.
The Grenache block at Anax runs southeast to northwest, bisected by a soil transition: richer clay on the northern side and gravelly soils to the south. Each section contributes distinct character — the north lending deep, lush fruit, while the south offers spice, structure, and mineral tension. Blended together, these elements create a harmonious and site-specific mélange of flavors that showcases the unique personality of this vineyard.
Production Notes
Grapes are harvested in the cool early morning and arrive at the winery still carrying the fog of fall. They are hand-sorted, 100% destemmed, and transferred to their fermentation vessels. After a two-day cold soak and inoculation, we apply minimal cap management—just one gentle punchdown per day—to keep tannins in balance. Near the end of fermentation, pumpovers replace punchdowns, leading up to the press after 12 days on skins. The wine is basket-pressed, homogenized, and transferred to barrel.
Food Pairing Notes
Falafel wraps with babaganoush and fresh vegetables, or chicken paprikash.
