# Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard Grenache (2019)

- **Producer:** A Tribute to Grace Wine Company
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €49
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, strawberry, dried herbs, raspberry, eucalyptus, red plum

## About this wine

The Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard Grenache 2019 is a single-varietal Grenache from A Tribute to Grace Wine Company. The grapes are sourced from the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard, located at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet in the Sierra Madre Mountains. This high-altitude site features soils of decomposed granite and clay loam. The vineyard practices are described as Practicing Biodynamic and SIP Certified. Winemaker Angela Osborne founded A Tribute to Grace with a focus on producing Grenache wines that express their origin and vintage. The winery is dedicated exclusively to Grenache, aiming to capture its authentic and ethereal qualities.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard sits at 3,500 feet, one of California's highest Grenache plantings.
- Soils are a mix of decomposed granite, clay loam, and various rocks.
- Practicing Biodynamic and SIP Certified vineyard practices.
- Winemaker Angela Osborne is originally from New Zealand.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and supple tannins complement the richness of proteins like lamb and duck. Its inherent savory and herbal notes find echoes in dishes seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic, creating a harmonious bridge between the wine and food.

## Wine making process

The Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard Grenache 2019 was produced using 52% whole cluster fermentation with native yeasts. The grapes underwent foot-treading daily for 10 days. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 10 months in neutral French 220L and 500L puncheons. The vineyard practices employed are described as Practicing Biodynamic and SIP Certified, with a commitment to being glyphosate-free. The winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the vineyard and vintage characteristics to be expressed.