Isenhower Cellars “Rara Avis” Grenache
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Isenhower Rara Avis Grenache is sourced from Olsen Ranch Grenache (73%), Tudor Vineyard Grenache (16%) and Tudor Vineyard Mourvèdre (11%).
- Grenache, initially planted in Spain and Southern France, thrives in the high elevation regions of Washington.
- The Rara Avis is feminine, beautiful, and luscious.
Variety: 89% Grenache, 11% Mourvèdre
Elaboration: Olsen Ranch Grenache and Tudor Vineyard Grenache and Mourvèdre were hand-harvested. All the grapes were
destemmed, and we added 33% of the stems back to the fermentation bins. Stems add additional tannins and create a complex Grenache. The grapes were inoculated with MT48 yeast and punched down twice a day for six days prior to pressing. The wine was aged in used French oak puncheons for 11 months prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Limpid, medium red hue. Aromas of crushed volcanic rocks, violets, rainier cherry, cranberry, wind-blown dust, and confection candy. The mouthfeel is brilliant and fresh. Deep red fruit is laced with dusty earth and rocky notes. The texture is focused, rich, and broad. The acidity balances the fruit and enhances its freshness. The finish is long and desirable.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Isenhower Cellars was founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower and was the 18th winery in the Walla Walla area. The Isenhower’s, both Pharmacists, chose to leave their Colorado surroundings and corporate healthcare to follow Brett’s dream of winemaking and Denise’s dream of moving back to Washington, where they first met. Today, Denise is the General Manager and Brett is the Winemaker. For Brett, Walla Walla was an easy choice because of its beauty and the wide-open, entrepreneurial nature of the wine industry there. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium-sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated.
The Isenhower’s built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. They source their grapes from experienced, established growers ranging from Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Oregon to the Wahluke Slope. These high-elevation farms produce beautiful juice from old vines all the way to experimental clones.
Isenhower Cellars and their growers follow a minimalist philosophy and more natural winemaking process, including low pesticides, light intervention and sustainable farming methods to achieve depth of character, lightness of touch, and an array of fresh, interesting wines.