Ventana 2003 Beaugravier

Vineyard Notes:
The Ventana is a 300+ acre vineyard in the heart of the Arroyo Seco American Viticultural Area, Monterey County California. The soil is primarily a calcareous composition of alluvial deposit with rock and gravel that support excellent drainage.

Winemaker’s Notes:
“Beaugravier” (pronounced “bow–grav–e-air”) means beautiful gravel in French. Years ago we spent many weeks in the Cote du Rhone studying the wines and vines. We worked with many winegrowers learning their methods, eating their foods and laughing with their families. The Beaugravier is the result of these times and loves. This wine is a blend of Syrah resting upon a foundation of Grenache Noir – the primary grape of the Cote du Rhone. When grown and experienced with elegance rather than power in mind, this combination is sublime at table. We love the “candy apple” and “cherry” of the Grenache carried by Syrah when in the company of just about every red meat, particularly lamb.

Tasting Notes:
At Ventana we control the vigor of the vines used to make Beaugravier. Controlling the vigor controls the size of each berry which then has a better skin to juice ratio resulting in richer color (deep ruby red) and more intense flavors of black cherry, black currant and candy apple. It is full bodied with lush mouth-feel and a lingering finish.

Technical Notes:

Alcohol:	13.2%
Total Acidity	0.64
pH	3.71
Composition/Blend:	Grenache Noir & Syrah
Appellation:	Arroyo Seco (Monterey County)
Vineyard:	100% Estate, Ventana Vineyard
Barrel:	French Oak
Fermentation:	Open top, fermented in 6 ton vats, barrel aged
Soil Type:	A calcareous composition of alluvial deposit with rock and gravel