From: Southern Oregon’s Rogue and Applegate Valley
Blend: 39% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 29% Mourvèdre
Taste: On the nose, the wine showcases an alluring bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, predominantly cherries and blackberries. This fruit-forward aroma is complemented by subtle hints of clove, black pepper, and a touch of earthiness, reminiscent of a damp forest floor. As the wine opens up, delicate floral notes of violets and lavender emerge, adding complexity and intrigue. The first sip reveals a medium-bodied wine with a smooth texture and velvety tannins. The palate is dominated by flavors of juicy red cherries, blackcurrants, and ripe plums, supported by the wine's lively acidity. The spicy notes detected on the nose are echoed on the palate, with black pepper and clove making a welcome appearance. These flavors are further enhanced by undertones of dark chocolate, leather, and a hint of smoked meat, indicative of Mourvèdre's gamey influence. The finish is long and lingering, with a pleasant minerality and a final flourish of baking spices.
Pairing: The 2020 Quady North Red Blend GSM is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide array of dishes due to its balanced tannins, acidity, and fruit-forward nature. This wine would make an excellent companion to grilled or roasted meats, such as beef, lamb, or pork. It would also complement dishes with earthy ingredients like mushrooms, truffles, or root vegetables. The wine's spicy characteristics make it an ideal match for dishes with bold flavors, like barbecue, Mexican cuisine (see recipe below), or Moroccan tagines.
For vegetarian options, the 2020 Quady North Red Blend GSM pairs wonderfully with a hearty mushroom stroganoff or a rich eggplant Parmesan. Additionally, a savory lentil and vegetable stew, spiced with cumin and paprika, would accentuate the wine's spicy notes. For a lighter option, consider a mixed greens salad topped with roasted beets, goat cheese, and candied walnuts, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. The earthy flavors of the beets and walnuts will harmonize with the wine, while the tangy goat cheese will provide a pleasant contrast to the GSM's fruity profile.
Tajín Grilled Chicken
By Rick A. Martinez
The Blend: Composed of 39% Grenache, 32% Syrah, and 29% Mourvèdre, this GSM blend is a testament to the passion and expertise of Quady North. Grenache softens the tannic nature of Syrah, while Mourvèdre contributes structure and a distinctive gamey quality. The result is a versatile wine perfect for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
The Vineyards: Quady North is dedicated to producing small lots of expressive, vineyard-select wines from their estate and other carefully chosen Southern Oregon vineyards. The family-owned winery, led by Herb Quady, has come a long way since its inception in 2005, with two estate vineyards named after Herb's daughters, Mae's Vineyard and Serafina Eevee.
These vineyards, both certified sustainable by LIVE, are home to a variety of grapes, including Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Tannat, Malbec, Orange Muscat, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Malvasia Bianca.
Sustainable and Organic Practices: Quady North is a staunch supporter of LIVE, Oregon's organization dedicated to sustainable winegrowing. The winery and 73 acres of its source vineyards are certified LIVE sustainable. Additionally, their Estate and RiverCrest vineyards are certified organic and farmed according to regenerative agriculture principles.
Herb Quady: The Visionary Behind Quady North. Herb Quady, the fearless leader and founder of Quady North, grew up in a family winery in Central California. After being exposed to Rhone varieties by the legendary Randall Graham, Herb became passionate about crafting table wines. With a winemaking degree from Fresno State and experience as the winemaker for Troon Vineyard, Herb and his wife Meloney established Quady North in 2006.
The 2020 Quady North Red Blend GSM: A Wine to Remember. With a total production of only 200 cases and a suggested retail price of $25 per bottle, the 2020 Quady North Red Blend GSM is a must-try for wine enthusiasts. The blend was aged in 92-gallon neutral French oak barrels and 58-gallon barrels (20% new) for 17 months before bottling. This unfined and unfiltered wine is a true reflection of Southern Oregon's terroir and a testament to Quady North's commitment to quality.
