Sine Qua Non Distenta IV Grenache 2022The Sine Qua Non wines were founded in 1994 by Manfred and Elaine Krankl in Ventura, on California's Central Coast, the winery can be described as the epitome of an artisanal, cult winery. The estate farms four different vineyards, each with different soils, micro climates and a different but loving approach, that all share farming practices that are gentle, hands on, natural (although not certified, they are essentially organic) and consistent. Wines

Perfectly suited to earthy dishes

Serve well-chilled on a warm evening

Shiraz and Mataro from five carefully selected vineyards across Stonewell

Deep purplish red

Notes of shoe-leather on the nose with a palate driven by fresh cassis

so the distillers purchased the fruit

Aromas of blackberry coulis and blueberry pie are tempered by fresher cranberry and herbal notes

and the town of Vila de Frades in the Alentejo has a special connection to this ancient method of winemaking

a sherry-loving man from Jerez de la Frontera

The Grenache comes from the Brave Oak Vineyard in Paso Robles and is made using the carbonic maceration technique

with a great persistence in the mouth

It was in this charming setting that Agnès Paquet