Lucha Vino is showing some respect for Grenache on International Grenache Day. Grenache thrives in many wine regions world wide. In this matchup we will focus on the Yakima Valley in Washington state and Gigondas in the Rhone Valley of France.
The Gigondas and Rhone Valley are frequent hosts of the Tour de France and other professional cycling races held in France. Le Tour did not visit Southern France in 2023, but that will not deter this challenge!
2017 Kevin White Winery Pionnier v. 2014 Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades
Tale of the Tape
80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from vines planted in 1948 and 1977, respectively.
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels.
Newer vintages available at retail for $35-$40
Round 1. First Opening
The Kevin White Pionnier luchador steps into the ring representing the Yakima Valley and right away you can see this grappler is all business. The Pionnier is going straight at the French challenger with a nose that features red and blue berries along with sultry olive brine. The palate follows with more blue fruits, cracked pepper and lighter tannins on the finish with hints of blueberry crumble.
St. Damien looks a bit dazed and confused by the Washington luchador's straight ahead style. The nose is showing dark red berry notes of raspberry and logan berry backed by candle wax, brambles and light savory notes. The palate brings out more red berries, tobacco leaf, white pepper and tart tannins on a dry finish.
The Pionnier from Kevin White takes the first round. All business and no messing around.
Round 2. One Hour After Opening
to develop and draw out the notes of blueberry and olive brine. The palate is building strength with blue fruit, cracked pepper and savory notes with a finish featuring blueberry crumble and baking spices.
The St. Damien is fighting back and showing some grappling skills. The nose is evolving and adding complexity with notes of dark fruit, candle wax, violets and white pepper. The palate is also elevating its game with dark blue fruits, cracked pepper and a dry tannin spice finish.
Although the St. Damien showed some more aggression when fighting in close quarters, it was not enough to take the round. Round 2 goes to Pionnier and the Luchador from Kevin White winery takes a commanding 2-0 lead.
Round 3. One Day After Opening
Last chance saloon for the St. Damien Luchador. Trailing 2-0, let's see if the French challenger can flip the tables by knocking out the Pionnier.
The Pionnier is showing stamina and building strength with a nose showing blueberry, baking spices, violets and savory olive brine. The palate compliments the complexity of the nose with flavors of blueberry and tart pepper spices with a dry finish.
The French luchador from Gigondas is mounting a furious attack! The nose continues to build complexity with dark fruit, candle wax, slightly funky minerality and light floral notes. The palate is stepping things up too with notes of dark fruit, tobacco and herbal savoriness with a cracked pepper spicy tannin finish.
St. Damien takes the final round in a flury of action, but did not mount enough of an attack to subdue the Pionnier. Kevin White takes the match with a resounding 2-1 victory.
Wrap Up and Overall Observations
Both of these wines showcase the character of Grenache from their regions of the world. I would recommend both of these wines and both offer high quality at the $40 price point.
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