From: Boushey, Olsen, Weather Eye, and Dineen vineyards in the Columbia Valley, WA
Varietal: Grenache Noir (with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon)
Taste: Upon opening the bottle, the wine exudes a beautiful aroma of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of black pepper. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and exquisitely balanced. It showcases a juicy fruit profile that is dominated by red fruit flavors, such as cherries and raspberries, with a subtle hint of blackberry & black currant buoyed by pleasantly warming baking spice notes. The wine's acidity is well integrated and provides a refreshing backbone to the fruit profile.
As the wine opens up in the glass, it reveals layers of complexity and a subtle minerality that enhances the wine's overall structure. The tannins are silky and refined, adding a smooth and elegant texture to the wine. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant sensation of fruit and spice on the palate. The wine's balance, finesse, and complexity make it an exceptional example of Grenache from the Columbia Valley.
Pairing: This beautiful, medium-bodied red wine with luminous fruit and spice notes has a good amount of acidity and a smooth, well-integrated tannin structure, making it a versatile wine to pair with a wide range of foods. Try it with grilled or roasted meats such as lamb chops or pork tenderloin, or with mushroom risotto or pasta with tomato-based sauces.
You could even pair this red alongside Mediterranean cuisine, including grilled lamb kebabs and ratatouille or Spanish dishes that include chorizo, tomato, and grilled octopus. Grenache also loves veggies! Lentil or chickpea-based dishes, such as vegetarian chili or falafel, or pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces or with mushrooms are delish next to this charmer. We’re taking a few concepts here and combining it in our shared pairing recipe today, below.
Ratatouille and Sausage Potpie With Cornmeal Biscuits
By Melissa Clark
About. The 2020 Two Vintners Grenache, Columbia Valley, WA, is a highly anticipated release among wine lovers and industry professionals alike. This wine is a standout example of Grenache from one of the most exciting winemakers in the Pacific Northwest, Morgan Lee.
Morgan Lee, the winemaker behind Two Vintners, has a passion for producing wines that are true expressions of the vineyard and the grape varietal. His winemaking philosophy is centered around minimal intervention, allowing the wine to showcase its unique characteristics and terroir. Lee has been recognized as a rising star in the Washington wine industry, with accolades and articles by Seattle Met, Forbes, Jancis Robinson, Wine Spectator, Sip Magazine, and more; plus personal recommendations & placements from many local specialty wine shops and sommeliers- including us!
The Columbia Valley AVA, located in Washington State, is a large and diverse wine region that is known for producing high-quality grapes. This AVA spans over 11 million acres and is home to over 40,000 acres of vineyards. The climate in the Columbia Valley is arid and desert-like, with warm summers and cold winters. These conditions are ideal for growing Grenache, a grape varietal that thrives in warm, dry climates.
Grenache, the grape varietal used to produce the 2020 Two Vintners Grenache, is a red wine grape that is commonly found in the Rhône Valley of France. Grenache is known for producing wines that are high in alcohol, with ripe fruit flavors and a spicy finish. This grape varietal has become increasingly popular among winemakers in Washington State due to its ability to ripen fully in the warm climate of the Columbia Valley.