California’s Central Coast Grenache – The Perfect Pairing Wine?

I’ve recently been enjoying two fantastic Central Coast wines: the 2009 Sans Liege “En Gedi” Grenache blend and the 2009 Dragonette Grenache.  Both are tremendous wines and about as food-friendly as a wine can be.  I had the Dragonette a few nights ago with a fingerling potato and prosciutto pizza and it was the perfect pairing!  Grenache is a grape that can pair with almost anything, from steak to quiche to (yikes!) vegetarian dishes.

2009 Dragonette Grenache Santa Rita Hills – ($44) The wine displays classic Grenache aromas of sweet red raspberry, strawberry and kirsch. On the palate, the wine combines waves of expressive, high-toned red fruits, along with streaks of creosote, and leathery notes in a pure, expressive, medium-bodied package. The wine’s finely textured fruits are lifted and maintained through a long finish by ripe acidity and firm, yet complex and spicy tannic structure, which will also provide for aging potential. Just delicious!  95 points

2009 Sans Liege “En Gedi” – ($45) A luscious California Grenache blend featuring bright strawberry and raspberry aromas with hints of the complexity of flavors to come. On the palate there are loads of rich cherries with brooding black tea, chocolate and lavender.  Classic 95 points

The Dragonette is available at Porthos

The Sans Liege is available at Porthos