From: Columbia Gorge, Washington, USA
Varietal: Gamay Noir
Tasting Notes: Vivid ruby color with an aromatically dynamic character of pomegranate, iris blossoms, and wild red currants. The wine is balanced on a lively palate of red fruits. Fermentation with stems contributes to elegant tannins. Intense and packed with vitality, a lingering finish and purity of expression.
Pairing: We wrote the following pairing notes for a Gamay from Beaujolais, and what we said also rings true for this more fruit-forward expression of Gamay from Washington.
For classic pairings, consider serving it alongside roasted chicken with herbs, coq au vin, or a traditional charcuterie platter featuring cured meats and pâté. Its lively acidity and soft tannins make it a delightful match for lighter fare like a niçoise salad, a savory mushroom tart, or a classic Margherita pizza.
This wine pairs beautifully with a juicy turkey burger topped with cranberry compote and/or a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich for a contemporary and classic American twist. Its svelte profile and lively backbone also enhance the flavors of a smoked barbecue chicken, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky notes.
Pressure Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
By Sarah DiGregorio
About. In the Columbia River Gorge of Washington State, Syncline Winery beautifully captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1999 by James and Poppie Mantone, Syncline is a family-owned winery deeply rooted in sustainable practices and a profound respect for the region's unique terroir.
James Mantone, the winemaker, brings scientific precision to his craft, honing his skills through a background in biology and biochemistry. This analytical approach is balanced by an intuitive understanding of the land gained through years of hands-on vineyard experience. Poppie Mantone complements this with her background in environmental science, ensuring that Syncline operates with a minimal ecological footprint. Together, they have created a winery that is as much about stewardship of the land as it is about producing exceptional wines.
Syncline specializes in Rhône varietals, with a focus on Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, but it also embraces lesser-known varieties like Cinsault, Carignan, Gamay, and Counoise. The winery is known for its minimalist winemaking philosophy, which allows the characteristics of the grapes and the vineyard sites to shine through without heavy intervention. Fermentation is done with native yeasts, and the wines are aged in neutral oak, preserving the purity and expression of the fruit.
The Mantones are fervent advocates of sustainable farming and have transitioned a significant portion of their vineyard holdings to biodynamic practices. They firmly believe that healthy vines yield the best fruit, which in turn results in the most vibrant and expressive wines. This unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability has earned Syncline a devoted following and critical acclaim.
Syncline's wines truly reflect the rugged beauty and diverse microclimates of the Columbia Gorge. From their elegant, aromatic whites to their range of reds, each bottle tells a story of the land and the hands that crafted it. The Mantones continue to
push the boundaries of what is possible in the region while remaining deeply connected to the community and the environment they call home.
The 2021 Syncline Estate Grown Gamay Noir comes from an upper block on the southern slope of Syncline’s home vineyard, Steep Creek Ranch, in the Columbia Gorge AVA. The vineyard is managed according to Biodynamic and Organic philosophy and practice.
The first 65% of the fruit hand-picked for the wine underwent whole-cluster carbonic fermentation (with native yeast) in French concrete cube tanks. After five days, the remaining 35% of the fruit was hand-picked and de-stemmed on top of the existing fermentations, and the tanks saw a mix of pump-overs and foot-stomping. The free run juice from these tanks was kept separate for the élévage of this wine, which took place in a French concrete cube. Bottling happened in August 2022. No fining.
