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Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2011 Oregon Grenache
High in the hills of Elkton
What’s so special about Elkton, population 194? It’s a small valley on the Umpqua River just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. That means that the grapes get a daily sea breezes and fog to cool them down. Not really Southern Oregon in style or Northern Oregon in style, wines from Elkton always stand out.
Sue and Terry met in 1998 and bonded over their love of wine, especially Pinot Noir. Terry had been making wine in his garage since the 70s and been professionally making wine in Northern California’s Anderson Valley for years.
When it was time to build his own brand, they looked everywhere in California for the right spot to grown Pinot Noir. It wasn’t until 2000 that a side trip to the Umpqua Valley sparked their interest in Oregon. They had looked high and low for the perfect spot – and ended up with one of the highest winegrowing locations in the area. The Brandborg property is in the coastal mountains, 25 miles to the ocean, at an elevation of 750 to 1150 feet.
And it’s paid off – as Brandborg has just been named 2015 Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Brandborg Vineyard and Winery, Elkton, Oregon
2011 Oregon Grenache
Grenache may be one of the most widely planted red wine grapes in the world, but it’s most often found in blends – particularly in the Southern Rhône and Australia.
Cellar 503’s first Grenache selection, Brandborg sources their grapes from the Quail Run Vineyard in the Rogue Valley. Expressive strawberry and black currant fruits with hints of mint, big round mouthfeel and a bit of cranberry tang.
This fruity, juicy wine goes perfectly with grilled meats, sausages and highly spiced dishes. Marinated flank steak with peppers and onions would be an amazing pairing.
And even though most folks think that chilled red wine is an abomination, try cooling down this red just a bit before serving and see the fruit explode!
Just 164 cases produced.
A Cellar 503 selection in July 2015, Wines to Grill By Elkton | Grenache
