Erggelet Brothers Contra Costa Old Vine Grenache 2022

Description

Erggelet Brothers Contra Costa Old Vine Grenache 2022

This distinguished wine is a pure expression of California history, composed of 100% Grenache sourced exclusively from the legendary Del Barba Vineyard in Contra Costa County. These gnarly, own-rooted vines, some of which were planted in the late 1800s, are dry-farmed in the region's signature deep, sandy loam soils. The 2022 vintage was defined by a dry winter and a notable heatwave late in the growing season, which concentrated flavors and reduced yields. However, the unique terroir of the area, specifically the cooling "Delta Breeze" from the San Joaquin River, moderated the temperatures, allowing the grapes to retain vibrant acidity and freshness despite the warm climatic conditions.

Visually, the wine presents a translucent, jewel-toned ruby color that hints at its elegance. The nose offers an evocative and complex bouquet of bright red cherries, tart cranberries, and wild strawberries, underpinned by savory notes of cocoa dust, dried herbs, and a whisper of mixed baking spices. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine that prioritizes finesse over power. The flavor profile expands to include dark cherry and pomegranate, woven together with earthy cedar and a distinct mineral quality derived from the sandy soils. The tannins are fine-grained and polished, providing a silky texture that persists through a long, graceful finish.

Winemakers Julian and Sebastian Erggelet operate with a philosophy of minimal intervention, aiming to act as translators for the vineyard. In their solar-powered winery, the fruit was fermented using native yeasts in open-top stainless steel tanks for 18 days to extract color and aromatics gently. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in neutral Burgundy barrels. This extended aging in neutral oak allows for micro-oxygenation to soften the wine without imparting aggressive wood flavors. To preserve its full character and texture, the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

For food pairings, this Grenache shines with rustic, flavor-forward American dishes. It pairs beautifully with slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches on brioche buns, where the wine's bright acidity cuts through the fat and its spice notes complement a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. It would also be an excellent companion to grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary and garlic, as the wine's savory, earthy undertones harmonize with the char and herbs. While major critic scores for the 2022 vintage are not yet widely published, the Erggelet Brothers have secured a reputation for crafting honest, high-quality wines that champion underappreciated historic vineyards, offering exceptional character at a competitive price point for limited-production old vine wines.