2021 Trothe Limited Grenache
This Grenache, a first for Trothe, is a wonderfully powerful bottling. Smoky violets give way to subtle raspberry, mountain lavender and smoked cinnamon aromas. The palate balances fleshy red berries and wild herbs with pine tar, smoked sea salt, and lengthy eucalyptus character to finish this distinctive Rhône varietal, one of Washington's most prominent wine grapes. The wine's power will mellow just a touch with age.
- 15%
- 5 G/L
- 3.83
- March 2023
- September 2024
Growing Season
At the time, 2021 was the hottest on record at Andrews Family Vineyards and across Washington State. In the vineyard, a large canopy helped shade and cool fruit during the day’s heat, extending the ripening period. While leaf removal at the start of summer is the norm, in 2021 the canopies were kept intact—protecting the fruit from an unexpected heat wave in late June (ten days of 105-118F) and preserving vibrancy and freshness in the berries. Just another example of how the best wine is grown in the vineyard, and not made in the winery.
Vineyard Details
In order to capture a balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity, Trothe fruit was the first picked in most blocks.
- 100% Grenache
- GN07
- Clone 3
- 2 Barrels
Block GN07
Clone 3, planted 2007, 8x6 spacing, slight southern slope, moderate to cool site, 1040 ft. elevation, Warden silt loam soil
Cellaring
Vibrant, accessible, and drinks well now, but it will continue to develop over the next 10 years or more. The care we put into crafting and bottling our wines creates a fresh approachable experience when consumed young, while simultaneously containing the components necessary to develop deep complexity and integration with age.
Vinification
Vinified with 8% whole clusters, in a Nico Velo concrete pyramid. We chose a long, cool fermentation technique to capture intense color and develop silky tannins. Post pressing, the wine was returned to the same concrete pyramid for aging in order to preserve its complex fruit and floral notes. Aged for 16 months in concrete, and 18 months in bottle. This wine did not see any oak aging.
