Petrichor Estate Grenache 2017
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2016-
Wilfred
Wong
On first learning its meaning, we were transported to those dry, dusty days in summer that are often interrupted by afternoon showers. Scampering for shelter with thunder rumbling overhead, we would pause as this incredible scent arose from the earth. But we never knew what to call that magic fragrance until our dear friend and artist, Stephanie Gardner, painted a series affixed with the name, Petrichor. She passed the treasured word to us, cleverly coined by two Australian geologists in the 60’s.
We chose this obscure term for our wine because, in a word, Petrichor defines our passion for terroir driven wines. We want our wines to express the robust interplay of our volcanic soil and the diverse elements of the Redwood Hill climate.
But beyond its efficient and eloquent expression of the terroir, Petrichor has a transportive quality. Petrichor connects us to nature and becomes a smell we can remember and a memory we can smell. We hope that when you first sip Petrichor wine, you will feel that same connection and be transported, from wherever you are, to the unique terroir of our vineyard high atop Redwood Hill.
Jim & Margaret Foley Owners, Petrichor Vineyards
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.