Dashe Grenache Blanc 2016
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Dashe Cellars, founded in 1996, blends Anne's classic French winemaking training with the experience Michael has gained at Ridge Vineyards, Far Niente and Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Together, the Dashes' strive to create authentic, site-focused wines that capture the charm and personality of top, independent vineyards throughout Sonoma County and beyond. In 2007, Michael and Anne started a new series of wines that they dubbed "Les Enfants Terribles", wines that were inspired by many of the French wines they admire, with balance, complexity, lower alcohols, beautiful fruit aromatics and velvety textures. These easy-to drink and expressive wines are a great complement to their lineup of classic "signature wines".
Producing full-bodied white wines, Grenache Blanc can be unctuous and soft or floral and fresh. Some of the finest examples are terroir-driven, age-worthy wines. It is a key ingredient in white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and many white blends across southern France and NE Spain. Somm Secret—Grenache Blanc plays a key role in the vins doux naturels of Rivesaltes and a subsidiary role in those of Banyuls and Maury.
Originally a source of oenological sustenance for gold-seeking miners of the mid-1800s, the Sierra Foothills was the first region in California to produce wines from European grape varieties. Located between Sacramento and the Nevada border, this area’s immigrant settlers chose to forgo growing the then-ubiquitous Mission grape and instead brought with them superior vines from the Old World to plant alongside mining camps.
Zinfandel has been the most important variety of this region since its inception, taking on a spicy character with brambly fruit and firm structure. Amador and El Dorado counties, benefiting from the presence of volcanic and granite soils, are home to the best examples. Bold, robust Rhône Blends and Barbera are also important regional specialties.