Florez Wines 'The Pope's Smoke' Santa Cruz Mountains 2021

Comparable to Nebbiolo-based wines in the sense that you can’t let the light color deceive you. A firm tannin brings structure to this perfumed wine. Serve with a slight chill.

FROM THE WINEMAKER “During my ‘stage’ (internship) in Burgundy in 2014, I was presented with a blind wine that was unlike anything I had previously experienced. A pale color with endless perfume, florality, unctuous flavor and a viscous mouth feel. I really had no idea of the variety, yet I knew it was a special wine. I guessed Pinot Noir, as I was in Burgundy after all. It was a 2005 Grenache from Chateau Rayas. I had never heard of the winery. But was quickly educated on the winery and their most esteemed 100% Grenache. Ever since that tasting, I took a serious interest in the potential of Grenache. Also through experience, I have observed Grenache is one of the most terroir-influenced grapes I have ever worked with. In 2021 we worked with a new vineyard presenting a new expression of this wine.”

MAKING OF: 100% whole cluster fruit was put in an upright French oak cuve and treaded to bleed some juice for fermentation. The native ferment was cared for with pumpers and pressed after about 2 weeks. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for ~10 months. Racked once and bottled. Unfined, unfiltered, no additives + no added sulfites.

PRODUCER
Florez Wines

VINTAGE
2021

TYPE
Red Wine

GRAPE
100% Grenache

REGION
Santa Cruz, California, USA 

ABV

FARMING
Organic