Vineyards

Our Grenache Noir is sourced from Zaca Mesa vineyard, which is one of the first vineyards planted in the Santa Ynez Valley. The warm, long growing season in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County is about as Provençal as it gets in California. The vineyard is planted against the mountains on a mesa of the northern edge of the AVA. A relatively warm, elevated site with early ripening and rocky soils, this vineyard is ideal for Grenache, and experiences cool afternoon breezes blowing east from the Pacific through the Santa Rita Hills.

Winemaking

The grapes for our Grenache Noir are hand-picked and sorted in the cool evenings of harvest. They are then destemmed and transfered to open top fermentors. A five day cold soak with gentle cap manipulation is followed by a relatively controlled, gentle ferment. The wine is then pressed to 14% new French oak barrels for 10 months to impart complexity and a round mouthfeel.

Food Pairing

Malene Grenache Noir can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods. Its layered versatility allows for pairing with both light and heavier dishes, including:

Mediterranean
Ratatouille; Beef Carpaccio; Pasta Puttanesca; Grillades; Roasted Rabbit Leg; Duck Confit

Indian
Tikka Masala; Tandori Chicken; Lamb Biryani; Korma; Chana Masala; Aloo Gobi

Mexican
Pork Carnitas; Posole; Chicken Tostada; Barbacoa; Chorizo Tacos

California
Pork Tenderloin; Stuffed Eggplant; Fire-Roasted Tomatos with Pasta; Grilled Vegetables; Roasted Turkey