Gorgeous aroma and elegant taste. 100% Graciano, rare in California. Made from organically grown grapes.
The wine is made from grapes grown organically at Dead End Ranch in the El Pomar area of Paso Robles.
30% is whole cluster, 70% is destemmed and fermented in open-top 1.5 ton fermentation barrels, with punch down and pump over as needed.
Unfined, unfiltered, with minimal SO2 added only at bottling.
It has a blackberry fruitiness and various hints of dried herbs. It also has a mineral feel like crushed stone in the flavors of cocoa powder and cherry pie.
Saint-Liege (a relationship without master or servant) is a relentless pursuit of one's own independence, and at the same time, it means what distance one should maintain between the traditions of the Rhone Valley and the freedom of the New World. Curt Schalchlin, owner and winemaker of Saint-Liege/Groundwork, explains the meaning of the winery's name. Schalchlin, who encountered winemaking as a business major and became fascinated by it, released his first label in 2003. Schalchlin, who is very attracted to Rhone varieties and specializes in producing wines, is not bound by tradition, but he also does not do anything out of the ordinary. Saint-Liege mainly produces Rhone blends, and Groundwork produces wines using single Rhone varieties.
Shakulin uses grapes from several vineyards on the Central Coast, from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. He works closely with the vineyards, listening carefully to the messages they convey, and treating them as partners as he works on winemaking for each vintage.
When choosing vineyards, we place importance on the individuality of each vineyard, not on its reputation. Sometimes we choose vineyards that other winemakers have not chosen. When we feel that a vineyard has something special that other vineyards do not have, we choose that vineyard without hesitation. This is the essence of "Saint Lige".
The Central Coast is a very diverse region with various microclimates, different soils and topography. The climate here is similar to the Mediterranean climate and is said to be ideal for Rhone varieties, but Shakulin feels that rather than following the Rhone model, the grapes here have their own unique characteristics and tell a story that is unique to this region. Shakulin's absolute strength is to treat such wonderful vineyards as partners and respect nature. The impressive label, which expresses Shakulin's unique worldview, was created by a German artist living in New York. Shakulin's wines, which are made with his own unique preferences and respect the traditions of the Old World while continuing to challenge himself in the New World, are wonderfully made and suggest great success in the future.