Discover the exquisite **Samsara Grenache**, a captivating expression of Santa Barbara County's terroir, crafted with precision from the renowned Larner Vineyard. This wine showcases an elegant profile of vibrant red fruits like raspberry and cranberry, enhanced by whispers of white pepper, rose petals, and warm baking spices. With a luscious, full-bodied texture and seamless balance, it offers exceptional flavor intensity and a signature velvety mouthfeel that invites sip after sip. A testament to the artistry of winemaker Matt Brady, Samsara Grenache pairs perfectly with roasted meats, hearty vegetables, or simply on its own for a luxurious indulgence.
Process & Profile
SAMsARA Grenache originates from premier vineyards such as Larner Vineyard and Spear Vineyard, known for their unique terroirs in Santa Barbara County. The sandy, chalky soils and carefully controlled low-yield practices ensure the development of concentrated fruit flavors. Winemaker Matt Brady follows a low-intervention philosophy, allowing the fruit to express its purest form. Hand harvesting, meticulous sorting, and a commitment to native yeast fermentation give rise to a Grenache showcasing the terroir's full potential while maintaining balance and refinement.
This Grenache is lightly extracted, with a focus on precision, elegance, and seamless integration of flavors. With subtle aging techniques, the wine captures the perfect harmony between fruit, acidity, and tannins.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, SAMsARA Grenache reveals enticing layers of dried cherry, red plum, and cranberry, with earthy undertones such as tarry asphalt, singed leather, and thyme. The palate offers a vibrant complexity, featuring juicy red fruits, a touch of white pepper, and a velvety texture. Fine, chalky tannins provide structure, while a long, elegant finish showcases its remarkable depth and balance. This wine is lively yet refined, making it a memorable expression of Grenache.
What Makes It Special
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Exceptional Vineyard Origins: Sourced from renowned vineyards like Larner and Spear, these sites bring out the best in Grenache through their chalky, sandy soils and ideal climate for ripening grapes.
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Artisanal Craftsmanship: SAMsARA's low-intervention winemaking honors the grapes' natural character while achieving remarkable depth and complexity.
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Award-Winning Quality: Consistently earning high scores, such as 94 points from *Wine Enthusiast*, this Grenache is a testament to SAMsARA's pursuit of excellence.
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Versatile and Age-Worthy: Thanks to its balance and concentrated flavors, SAMsARA Grenache is both approachable in its youth and capable of aging gracefully.
How to Enjoy
SAMsARA Grenache is an excellent partner for a wide range of dishes. Pair it with:
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Roast Chicken or Turkey: Its bright fruit and spice complement poultry's savory flavors.
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Herb-Crusted Lamb: The wine's earthiness matches beautifully with herbaceous dishes.
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Mediterranean Cuisine: Savor with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or cheese-stuffed peppers.
For the optimal experience, serve slightly below room temperature (around 60–65°F). Decanting for about 30–60 minutes will elevate its aromatic complexity and allow its layers to unfold with every sip.
SAMsARA Grenache is more than just a wine—it's an invitation to explore the rich heritage of Santa Barbara County's vineyards, the artistry of winemaking, and the delight of an unforgettable tasting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about Samsara Grenache?
Samsara Grenache is crafted from grapes grown in the Larner Vineyard, a site known for its sandy soils, which limit vigor and promote concentrated flavors. The wine exhibits a vibrant profile with flavors of red fruits, spices, and notable silky textures. Each vintage showcases the unique weather conditions of the year, offering a balance of freshness and intensity.
What does Samsara Grenache taste like?
This wine features flavors such as raspberry, cherry, cranberry, and baking spices, complemented by a seamless, silky texture. It often includes aromas of rose petals and hints of black pepper, making it both complex and approachable.
What food pairs well with Samsara Grenache?
Samsara Grenache pairs beautifully with roasted meats, Mediterranean dishes, hearty stews, and dishes featuring herbs such as rosemary and thyme. It also complements aged cheeses and dishes with a touch of spice, thanks to its balance of red fruit and savory notes.
Can Samsara Grenache be aged?
Yes, Samsara Grenache is suitable for aging. Its structure, tannins, and concentration allow it to develop complexity over time. Depending on the vintage, the wine can age gracefully for several years, revealing deeper earthy and spicy characteristics.
What makes Grenache grape wines special?
Grenache wines are adored for their full body, high alcohol content, and rich flavors of red and black fruits, often accompanied by spices and herbs. The grape thrives in warm climates and sandy soils, producing wines with remarkable depth and balance, like Samsara Grenache.
What is the alcohol content of Samsara Grenache?
Samsara Grenache typically has a higher alcohol content, common for Grenache wines, due to the natural high sugar levels in the grape. This contributes to its full-bodied, warming profile.
Where is the Larner Vineyard located?
The Larner Vineyard is situated in Santa Barbara County, California, a location celebrated for its warm climate and ideal soil conditions for growing Grenache. This vineyard's sandy soils help produce grapes with highly expressive flavors and concentrated aromatics.
Is Samsara Grenache a good wine for special occasions?
Absolutely. With its vibrant fruit profile, silky mouthfeel, and ability to pair well with various cuisines, Samsara Grenache makes an excellent choice for celebrations or memorable meals.