MATHIS 2007 GRENACHE, SONOMA VALLEY

MATHIS 2007 GRENACHE,  SONOMA VALLEY

 

Peter Mathis is somewhat of a local celebrity and can often be spotted either having a bite to eat at the girl & the fig or efficiently producing wine and managing Ravenswood Winery.  So what better way to learn about a wine, then ask the man who made it.  After a couple of attempts I finally met with Peter about a week ago and he shared some information about his latest release under the Mathis label, the 2007 Grenache...

The 2007 Mathis Grenache is grown on Peter’s own 7.5 acre property in the Sonoma hills.  He believes this vintage is one of his best, boasting elegant acidity and balanced fruit, a far more feminine counterpart to his 2006 release.  Peter told me that he found this wine to be “beautiful, a happy wine, not edgy or aggressive.” The flavors are reminiscent of “strawberry jam, spiced apricot, pomegranate, blackberry and a dash of white pepper (Mathis, 2010).”  Peter was adamant in his belief that even New World Grenache’s should be made with Old World, specifically Rhone considerations and characteristics, this means no new oak during the fermentation process, ever.  Peter prefers to use neutral french oak barrels, where “99% of the oak flavor is out.” The “slap-happy” aromas of ripe black cherry, dried cranberry, fennel, and a hint of spice are delectable and enticing!  The tannins are not overwhelming, but rather subtle and charming, allowing the Petite Syrah to throw in just enough spice, and the Carignane to give a nice kick of acidity.  Overall the above characteristics make the Mathis 2007 Grenache a great choice for versatile food pairing next time you are dining at the girl & fig or making dinner at home. 

 

Varietals: 81% Grenache, 10% Carignane, 8% Petite Syrah, 1% Alicante Bouchet

Vineyard: Sonoma County/ About 4 miles above The Girl and the Fig (in the town of Sonoma).

Harvest Dates:  September 24 though October 18, 2007.

Fermentation: Small, 1.5 ton open top fermentation with 3 punch downs daily, using 100% native yeast.

Aging: 28 months in Neutral French Oak (Peter Mathis never (and will not ever) use new oak barrels for his Grenache).

Acidity: 5.8 grams/liter
pH: 3.6
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 888 cases

Peter Mathis is the head winemaker at Ravenswood, where he began his career in 1990. 2004 was his very first release of his wine under the new Mathis label. Luckily for us, Peter has always been intrigued and inspired by the wines from the Southern Rhone Valley. He also has a specific passion for Grenache; "its unique, bold and juicy quality and almost unparalleled ability to express truly bright fruit characteristics" convinced him to plant it on his Sonoma Valley property in 1999.

2008 La Diligence

2008 La Diligence

Vineyard: Stagecoach, Napa Ca.

Varietal: 100% Marsanne

Tasting Notes: Stone fruit, almond blossom, and citrus nose with honey, mineral, spiced pear notes on the palate. The wine is full bodied and complex.

Vineyard history: The 800 acre vineyard is located on the upper east hills of Napa Valley at about 1500 feet elevation. The vineyard is named after the famous 1800’s stagecoach trail which was used for travel between valleys before the invention of cars.

Winery Information: This wine is labeled under a brand that was created in partnership with Francois Villard and the Miner Family Vineyards, Gary Brookman - winemaker). 

Francois Villard is an up and coming famous vintner who primarily works in the Condrieu area of the Rhone Valley. His experience with the Rhone varietals has allowed this partnership with the Miner Family vineyards to make a wine of very high caliber. The wine showcases finesse and elegance the best of what the Marsanne varietal has to offer. 

Barrel Aging:  7 months in Burgundian Cooperage (40% new)