Archive for the 'Negrette' Category

Santa Barbara Winery New Release

Published on February 12, 2009 in Negrette and Wine News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Joughin Vineyard 2006 Negrette

Attention Joughin Vineyard Negrette fans and interested bystanders! This is the last vintage of Negrette to be produced as Mr. Joughin tired of seeing his labors not be rewarded by fruit.

Truth be told, we are also big fans of the delicious dark berry character found in this wine, but with misfortune ranging from extreme deer predation to frost susceptibly we could not fault the decision to yank these particular vines.

Negrette traces its origins to the warm climate area north of Toulouse in southwestern France where it is known for its dark color and fragrant berry aroma and flavor. The warmer climate around Los Olivos combined with a relatively long growing season yields a Negrette with interesting flavor and a touch more complexity than one usually finds with this grape.

Bruce made 12 barrels of this wine utilzing a mix of American and Hungarian oak of which 25% was new Hungarian barrels. The barrel aging added a little spice and body to further compliment food.

Another easy wine to pair with washed rind cheeses; it would also be a good choice for hearty Mexican cuisine or Bistro style fare. Paring with food is highly recommended to cut the firm acid, bottle aging will most likely be rewarded in 2011.
Suggested retail: 24.00/750ml
To Order:

What is Negrette?

Published on December 28, 2008 in Joanie Hudson and Negrette. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

The wine currently garnering the most attention on our tasting list is one that is relatively unknown to California, the grape variety known as Negrette.  The vine is also sometimes called Pinot St. George in California but it is primarily grown in southwestern France in the region between Albi and the old town of Toulouse. 

It’s become instinctual to start to explain the grape right as it is poured in anticipation of the curiousity about this grape that is so rarely bottled on its own, let alone bottled at all in California. 

The principal appellation in France where Negrette is found is Cotes du Frontonnais, which requires that it be 50-70% of the blend.  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cinsault are among the few grape varieties that can also be blended in. 

The grape grows best in warmer climates, which is why we source it from Joughin Vineyard in Santa Ynez instead of planting it in our own vineyard in the cooler Sta Rita Hills appellation. 

It is a full bodied wine with a smooth finish that makes it drinkable in its youth.  Fans of Syrah and Cabernet usually are the most pleased when tasting this wine and are always intrigued by its obscure presence in the wine world.  I always recommend trying this wine with a spiced meaty dish that will pick up the peppery spiciness of the wine.  It’s a fun wine to bring along or serve at a dinner party and impress everybody with your wine knowledge of even the most obscure varietals. 

2005 Santa Barbara Winery Negrette Joughin Vineyard, $22


Joanie Hudson, Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Santa Barbara Winery