A Secret Monopole for Cool Climate Pinot Noir & Syrah | Etnyre Wines Vertical Tasting

June 5, 2024

In this episode, I get a chance to taste the cool climate wines of Etnyre Wines with Ethan Etnyre at Quin's Vineyard, nestled in Arroyo Grande, California. We'll explore the unique characteristics and vintage variations of Pinot Noir and Syrah from Etnyre Wines, right from the vineyard in his backyard.

Video Highlights:

Vineyard Walkthrough: Ethan takes us around Quin's Vineyard, sharing insights on the microclimate influenced by coastal fog and its impact on extending the growing season, fostering nuanced wine profiles.

Opening with the Closure: Starting with the delightful Quinn’s Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir, Ethan discusses his preference for screw caps over corks.

Perfect Pairings: Discover Ethan’s favorite food pairings for their Pinot Noir, including salmon with a miso glaze, and why these choices complement the high acidity and delicate flavors of their wines.

A Vertical Tasting: Austin Beeman and Ethan Etnyre taste and compare multiple vintages, discussing how each year's conditions contribute to the wine's profile, from the bright and precise 2021 back to the deeper, earthy tones of the 2005 vintage.

Syrah Showdown: Experience the bold and gamey profiles of Etnyre Syrah, particularly the aromatic 2020 release. Ethan explains why cool climate Syrah is distinct and shares his food pairing philosophies that make Syrah shine.

Designing a Label: A peek into the personal and creative process behind their wine labels, developed through a nostalgic, trans-Californian collaboration between Ethan and his uncle.

THIS IS EPISODE 107 OF UNDERSTANDING WINE WITH AUSTIN BEEMAN

SPECIAL THANKS:

Ethan Etnyre
- https://www.etnyrewines.com
Chris Kern

https://pasosecco.com
https://forgottengrapes.com

Thank you for helping with the coordination and planning of my enter Trip to Paso Robles and the Central Coast, California.

Work With Austin

Send Me an Email

FOLLOW THE WINE ADVENTURE

EQUIPMENT:

Main Camera: Canon R8

2nd Camera: DJi Pocket 2

Mic: Audio Technica AT875R

Travel Bag: Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L.

Camera Bag: Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag.

Music Licensed from Epidemic Sound.

FTC Compliance: I have no business relationship with Etnyre Wines. This is not a paid sponsorship. See more.

Science. Creativity. Passion. Luna Hart Wines | Owner and Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker

May 29, 2024

Join Gretchen Voelcker, the owner and winemaker of Luna Hart Wines, as she takes us on a tour of Hendricks Vineyard in Ballard Canyon - a key source of grapes for her small-production, minimal intervention wines.

Learn about Gretchen's passion project, Luna Hart, which she started in 2014 with a focus on unique varietals like Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Cinsault, Counoise, and Syrah. Hear how her background, from growing up on a farm to studying business and plant sciences, led her to the wine industry and the creativity she finds in making small-lot, terroir-driven wines.

Discover why Gretchen chose to base her winemaking career in Santa Barbara County, citing the region's high percentage of women winemakers, entrepreneurial spirit, and diverse microclimates that allow for experimentation with a wide range of grape varieties.

Gain insights into Gretchen's minimal intervention winemaking approach, including native fermentations, limited oak influence, and thoughtful sulfur use, as she navigates the challenges of producing balanced wines in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.

This video provides valuable perspectives for wine enthusiasts interested in exploring the people, places, and philosophies behind some of Santa Barbara County's most distinctive small-lot wine brands.

THIS IS EPISODE 106 OF UNDERSTANDING WINE WITH AUSTIN BEEMAN

SPECIAL THANKS:

Gretchen Voelcker
- https://lunahartwines.com
Tymari LoRe
Chris Kern

https://pasosecco.com
https://forgottengrapes.com

Thank you for helping with the coordination and planning of my enter Trip to Paso Robles and the Central Coast, California.

Work With Austin

Send Me an Email

FOLLOW THE WINE ADVENTURE

EQUIPMENT:

Main Camera: Canon R8

2nd Camera: DJi Pocket 2

Mic: Audio Technica AT875R

Travel Bag: Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L.

Camera Bag: Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag.

Music Licensed from Epidemic Sound.

FTC Compliance: I have no business relationship with Luna Hart Wines. This is not a paid sponsorship. See more.

Sustainability and Syrah in Ballard Canyon | Piazza Family Wines | Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker

May 22, 2024

Join Gretchen Voelcker, the winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, as she takes us on a tour of their stunning estate vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Learn about the region's distinctive limestone soils, coastal fog patterns, and sun and wind exposure that contribute to the exceptional quality of their handcrafted, minimal-intervention wines

Gretchen shares insights into their organic farming practices, native fermentations, and focus on age-worthy wines. Hear about the diverse grape varieties they cultivate, including Syrah, Grenache, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Italian varietals like Negroamaro.

Discover why Ballard Canyon is a unique American Viticultural Area (AVA), known for its ideal conditions for growing Syrah. Gain an appreciation for the challenges of vineyard management in this drought-prone region and Piazza Family Wines' commitment to sustainable, regenerative practices.

This video provides valuable information for wine enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring the terroir and winemaking philosophies of one of Santa Barbara County's most promising small-production wineries.

THIS IS EPISODE 105 OF UNDERSTANDING WINE WITH AUSTIN BEEMAN

SPECIAL THANKS: