Newfound Wines 'Gravels' Red Blend California, 2019

Release Period
August 31st - September 24th

Our methods focus on highlighting Grenache and Carignane's naturally sunlit tone, herbal perfumes and jagged textures. This wine defines our experience with the Mediterranean varietals we find suitable for California’s climate and diverse geography and provides a distinct interpretation of our ever curious and evolving winemaking efforts.

Sourcing
In 2019 we transitioned Gravels from a Grenache dominant wine to a 50/50 marriage of Grenache and Carignane. The Grenache was sourced entirely from the Cemetery Vineyard and the Carignane entirely from the Colombini Ranch. Both sites contain similar geology and are planted in (the simplest of terms) gravel. The Grenache and all of its perfume and elegance combined with the density and nerve of the Carignane were the perfect match for our second iteration of ‘Gravels’. Thirty days separated the picks - as the Grenache arrived toward the end of August with the Carignane completing our harvest as the final pick coming in at the end of September.

Vinification
When vinifying the wine our extraction techniques favored elegance over abundance. The lots were fermented separately but employed similar methods – 100% whole cluster, wild yeasts, one simple cap-wetting per day - spending up to 35 days in total on the skins. The Grenache was aged in one 2000L Austrian oval barrel, while the Carignane was aged in one 2000L French Foudré. A total of 14 months were spent in each vessel before assembly at which point the wines were racked, blended and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting
Deep black cherry, herbal sage brush, lavender and melon rind aromatics. That palate combines density and a snappy freshness that makes this bottling a versatile companion for any meal or occasion. Drink now or over the next five years.