Rossi-Wallace Grenache Solano County 2022

Cheryl Emmolo's family has grown grapes and developed rootstock in Napa Valley for over 100 years.  Her husband, Ric Forman, is famous for about 101 milestones here in Napa (Sterling Vineyards, Newton, and his label, Forman Vineyard).  With half a century of experience growing fruit and crafting decadent and premier Napa Valley Cabernets, the two felt it was high time they collaborated on something new.  In the early 2000s, Ric and Cheryl established Rossi-Wallace wines as a tribute to their mothers, Cheryl's mom, Annie Rossi, and Ric's mom, Roz Wallace.  They set their intentions to explore different varietals and expressions that more closely resembled their personal favorites from abroad, using California grapes.  First off was Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, and since their inaugural wine, they've explored Riesling, Zinfandel, Barbera, and the newest addition to the roster, the 2022 Grenache featured today.  Rossi-Wallace continues to be a creative outlet for Cheryl and Ric, presenting the fun challenge of tasting cherished imports and then seeking exceptional grapes to re-create those wines with a California twist.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the source of inspiration for this debut Rossi-Wallace Grenache.  Ric loves the luscious, opulent reds from this French appellation and the Gigondas sub-region within the Rhône valley.  The French iterations are predominantly Grenache, as 80% of the 8,000 acres within Châteauneuf-du-Pape are planted to this grape.  To reinvent this style, Ric and Cheryl contacted their grower connections, searching for a riper Grenache.  The Wagner family (of Caymus Vineyards) came through with access to a younger block from their Solano County vineyard.  The block of Grenache was planted five years ago in red, rocky soils along rolling hills that benefit from the breeze flowing off the Suisun Bay.

Ric and Cheryl produced seven barrels of their 100% Grenache and aged the wine in French oak, using two new barrels to incorporate a touch of nuanced oak.  Lavish aromas of mulled wine and Luxardo cherries mesh with savory undertones of dried thyme and leather.  Lushly textured with a delicate touch of acidity on the palate, highlighting the grilled, red plum, and strawberry jam flavors.  In tasting this Rhône-esque Grenache, you experience the exceptional musings of two Napa Valley legends who combine expertise and resources to create a sum greater than its parts.