Did you know that the third Friday of every September is International Grenache Day? Neither did we. Our wine class picked Grenache for our September 17th class for that very reason. Embracing that “One World” spirit, we presented wines from France, Spain, Washington State, Napa and Monterey. That was kind of cool! I’m deviating from my planned order in honor of International Grenache Day!
We have a story for every wine in our wine room – this one is no exception. Last Fall, Pacific Grove closed a block of the town for Salud Pacific Grove: An Evening of Food and Wine. One long table extended down the street. Food and wines from our local restaurants and vintners were served family style. Some of the stores were open and other wines were available for purchase. That’s where we tried and purchased The Endless Summer red wine. We didn’t learn its full story until much later.
Edible Monterey published this fascinating article that tells the whole story about how The Endless Summer wines came about. In it, you will read about the making of this iconic surfing movie, learn that the Georis brothers were in the band (The Sandals) that provided the music for the movie, and how Walter Georis has long wanted to open a line of wines embracing the beach culture. Some quotes from the article: “We wanted to try something you could have on the beach,” enjoying a free lifestyle, Sanvido says. “It’s a little bit of a lighter style wine, fun and nice and vibrant.”
“Georis notes that the new wines are food friendly, reflective of the local terroir and veer from the ordinary when it comes to varietals—the white is made mostly from Chenin Blanc, the Rose, Syrah, and the red, 100% Grenache. Each varietal is made in small batches of 200-300 cases…Price-wise, at $30 per bottle, the new label falls between the wines made for the acclaimed flagship Georis Winery and Georis’s more casual Cowgirl Winery.”
“…Meantime, Georis is especially excited about the beautiful Endless Summer bottles, each engraved with the iconic movie album art, and each made in a different gorgeous color, sealed with synthetic corks in even more hues. In short, a bottle you may not want to toss after enjoying its contents.” This is so true! A collector’s item bottle with a bright blue cork, in the case of the Grenache!
2016 The Endless Summer Red Wine, Monterey County 13% ABV, $30 (#137*)
Winemaker’s Notes 2016 Vintage: 100% Grenache. The grapes are from a blend of vineyards across Monterey County. The 2016 was a wine that was affected by the Soberanes Fire. This results in a wine that is subtly and pleasantly smoky, accompanied by blackberry and plum. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated and the finish has lingering smoke.
Winemaker’s Notes for the 2017 Vintage: Aromas such as black cherry, strawberry, tobacco and subtle hints of mocha can be found on the nose. A smooth palate with very subtle tannins leaves wine easy to drink accompanied by great spicy notes such as cinnamon and white pepper. A medium bodied wine with great texture and complexity. 100% Grenache. 331 cases produced.
My Review: This wine is translucent garnet in appearance. I definitely detected smoked ham on the nose (my better half did not). The palate was quite juicy and pleasant, but overwhelmed by the lingering smoky finish. Would love to taste the 2017 and will hang onto this bottle! September 2020
You can buy The Endless Summer wines on the Georis website or at the Georis Tasting Room. Not sure if The Endless Summer’s Tasting Room is open yet.
*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.
© Decanting Monterey 2020
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