Pure Pleasure!
There’s nothing quite like the ultimate dinner party wine - a wine that everyone loves.
Such as Peter Mathis Grenache. It’s pleasing: fruity like a pinot and full like a Cab. It’s well made: expensive French clones, organically grown in volcanic soil. And it’s relatively affordable, retailing for just $30.
You can drill in to the details but the point is to just enjoy. As Peter would say himself, it's not a wine that "causes one’s brow to furrow contemplatively"-- rather, it’s all "about laughter and the celebration of life, of eating and drinking with delight."
This was Peter's vision when he first fell in love with Grenache more than 30 years ago, when his estate was but a twinkle in his eye. After rising through the ranks at Ravenswood—where, as lead winemaker, he defined the signature style that catapulted the brand from obscurity to fame—he knew exactly what he wanted for his own artisanal estate: Grenache. Crazy quality. Simply delicious.
First he selected an incredible site at the base of Moon Mountain near some of the most prized Cabernet vineyards in California. The site is idyllic for heat-loving red varieties -- volcanic soils, elevation, slope, southern exposure. People thought he was crazy not to plant Cab!
But he chose love over money and planted the best Grenache he could find.
He selected an heirloom clone from France - instead of a high-yielding type typical in CA - for its small berries that produce concentrated flavors. For blending grapes, instead of the traditional GSM trio, he planted Petite Sirah and Carignane for structural, spice and fruit components. And a little Alicante Bouchet for color.
He's a classic vigneron who makes his wine in the vineyard. (He loves that tractor!)
Peter farms organically with biodynamic practices, and he applies all the artisanal touches found in world-class wines - light-touch vinification (native yeasts), neutral French oak. His label tells it all, simply and succinctly, in a hand-drawn style that reflects an unmistakably small, hand crafted wine.
Being thoughtful about the guest experience, Peter book-ends his beloved Grenache with lighter and fuller options. First is the gorgeously "gulpable" Rosé de Grenache that's been a staple at great restaurants for many years. The brooding beast at the other end is a powerful red blend featuring Petite Sirah, called Über Blend. No relation to the ride-hailing company (the wine was named first!) but it will get your motor running!
And these, my friend, are quintessential feel-good wines.