2022 Storm Le Grande Marque Rouge
We know him, we love him – this is the newest addition to Ernst Storm’s lineup and wanted our club members to be the first to taste. This Grand Marque Rouge is inspired by the Rhône Valley and is crafted from a Grenache-dominant blend (66%) rounded out with equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah. Think of it like Old World inspiration meets New World fruit in the best way possible.
Sustainable farming practices, family-owned, native yeast fermentation, minimal intervention, and minimal SO2.
- Tasting Notes black cherry, raspberry, star anise, orange peel, licorice, sweet spice
- Variety Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
- Region United States, California, Central Coast
- Volume 750ml
- Alcohol Volume 13.5%
- Table Talk Fruit for this particular wine from Storm comes from the Santa Ynez Valley, the AVA (appellation) which boasts the highest concentration of vines in all of Santa Barbara County.
$45.00
Rooted in the hills of Santa Barbara County, Storm Wines emphasizes old world influences and new world techniques. The Mediterranean climate, diverse soils, and exciting new opportunities in this budding Central Coast wine region have combined to drive Ernst’s passion for producing his wine. You’re invited to experience the unique personality of both vintage and site in Storm Wines. Our wines are truly handcrafted using a combination of Old and New World winemaking techniques. They express the unique qualities our fruit embodies due to its local environment. South African winemaker Ernst Storm first came to Santa Barbara in 2003 after finishing his studies at Elsenburg Agricultural School in the Western Cape. He didn’t know anyone or much about the area, but he wanted to experience a harvest somewhere new and climatically similar to the Western Cape. “I wanted to work in an area where I was able to make more classically-styled wines. I set out from the beginning to try and establish a philosophy around a certain style and Santa Barbara offered that.” Classically-styled wines tend to be grown in cooler climates and are fresher, lower in alcohol and capture where they are from. Storm produces about 2,000 cases annually, focusing on classically-styled wines from sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and syrah. I asked Ernst why he focuses on small production and his answer was simple. “I am able to do most of the winemaking myself. Which I feel you can’t do anymore once you reach a certain size.” He expanded, telling me that “…if you keep it small, you can treat every wine you make, like it’s the only wine.” This mentality and dedication to craft is one of the reasons we started Argaux in the first place, and it’s one of the reasons we’ve enjoyed working with Ernst since the beginning.
CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA
When we speak of Central Coast, CA were including numerous diverse regions from Santa Cruz down through Santa Barbara counties. This encompasses smaller areas such as Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Monterey AVA, Paso Robles AVA, Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA, and Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The Central Coast is responsible for many great value wines from a multitude of grape varietals depending on the climate within the specific designated areas. From the coastal AVA’s with influence from the fog and cooling effects, you will find Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The inland AVA’s are much warmer, like Paso Robles, so look here for outstanding Syrah, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Rhône-style blends.
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