Southern Belle
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The very first bourbon-barrel-aged wine, this lucky Spanish red gets to spend its time in barrels, Van Winkle’s used Bourbon barrels to be specific.
- The subtle notes of the bourbon barrels harmoniously balance the wine’s fruit and spice throughout a nuanced, silky finish.
- The label is designed by the famous Taiwanese-American visual artist, James Jean.
Varietal Composition: Monastrell and Syrah
Elaboration: Sustainable farming is used. Aged 6-8 months of aging in old Pappy van Winkle barrels.
Tasting Notes: Medium deep opaque purple color with dark red rim. Initial aromas redolent of blackberry and blueberry with underlying hints of red fruits give way to pleasing complex elements of vanilla and toffee. Soft, big, yet elegant mouth feel, rich, full body, density, superb balance and grip, lead to long, long finish, carrying intense ripe fruit and complex flavors. Soft, supple, dramatic, sexy wine with a compelling yummy factor that screams “drink me.”
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Dan Phillips is the well-known owner of The Grateful Palate, a wine producer and international distributor based in Los Angeles, Barcelona, and San Francisco. He produces wine in Spain, France, and Oregon, primarily working with old vine Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Malvasia, and bubbly wine from Catalonia and Champagne. His innovative labels are like nothing else on a wine bottle.
The Grateful Palate’s Southern Belle is the creation of Spanish winemaker Oriol Illa, who describes himself as an “oenopath.” Oriol slowly developed his passion for wine and eventually turned it into a profession. The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard in Jumilla, Spain.