Search Boozehoundz

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Bio & The Heavy D: Qupe’s Biodynamic Grenache


There are a variety of different types of farmers, like grape growers, including (broadly speaking) those who work with the soil and those who work with chemicals with the soil. Biodynamic farming and winemaking, actually beyond organic, is a confusing subject for a lot of consumers, and even some winemakers I know are vehemently opposed to it. But why? Yes it has elements of an “airy fairy” quality, lunar aspects and some mystical elements, which I’m not getting into here. Of course, if treating the earth you farm with the utmost respect is bad, well, I then clearly don’t understand farming. Anyhoo…organic wine, biodynamic wine – all great ideas that minimize our impact on the land and products we farm. Problem used to be that so many of these wines just weren’t very good. Not any more – the current spate of certified organic and biodynamic wines made in the U.S. is impressive - like the Qupe 2011 Grenache from the Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard. Qupe has long been at the forefront of winemaking in Santa Barbara County and typical of Grenache this offers soft black cherry, rhubarb and pomegranate, blackberry compote, mild oak and spice supported by a mild acidity and enough fruit to compliment your food without overpowering it. Certified Demeter (biodynamic) in 2009 this fruit hails from the Edna Valley in San Louis Obispo and this is truly a stellar wine. So if you think biodynamic is a crock of shit, that’s fine; that is your opinion. But the proof is always in the pudding, er, wine. And this baby rocks. Regardless of your beliefs, this wine is well worth the price tag and delivers more than the actual cost. And that is something rare these days. QUPE

ORIGIN: Edna Valley, San Louis Obispo, California
PRICE: $35 / 750/ml
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
BOOZEHOUNDZ SCORE:  91 POINTS

No comments:

Post a Comment