“I am honored to be one of the 7 American vintners invited to participate in Les Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape”

— Sasha Verhage, Winemaker.

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Biography

Eno Wines is a boutique winery producing small batches of Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and old-vine Zinfandels from world-class and undiscovered vineyards. Our award-winning labels and evocative names tell the unique story behind each wine.

Sasha Verhage -- proprietor, winemaker, technologist, and bon vivant -- began crafting wine about a decade ago. Sasha's love for the Rhone blossomed in 2005 with a taste of Barroche Pure. Meeting Harry Karis, author of The Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Book and friend, deepened his love and connection to the region.

Why I am here?

  • Passion I am passionate about Châteauneuf du Pape. A dream was fulfilled when I apprenticed under Julien Barrot at Barroche during the 2011 harvest.
  • Knowledge I'm eager to demonstrate that a marriage between the winemaking craft of the Rhone and select California grapes have extraordinary potential.
  • Heritage My father (who is pouring with me at this event) worked for Peugeot for 30 years. We share a lifelong love of French culture and food.

Wines poured

2011 eno Grenache (Eaglepoint Ranch, Mendocino) - Barrel Sample

Composition 88% Grenache 12% Syrah.

Winemaking Very cool climate year, resulting a late pick- November 1st. Co-fermented. Inoculated with Grenache yeast by Lalvin). Delestaged once with 3 punch downs per day and occasional pump overs. 15 total days on skins. Pressed straight into neutral French oak puncheons (500 litres). No enzymes. Low sulfites. Never racked.

Color Light to moderate.

Nose white pepper, citrus rind, clove, cardamom.

Taste orange spice, alpine strawberry, bright cherry, fig, anise, clove in the finish.

Vineyard

Appellation Mendocino

Year Established 1975

Soil Type Decomposed sandstone; timber red loam

Elevation 1,800 ft. (548 meters)

Acres planted 3 (1999)

Clone/Rootstock Grenache Noir on 110R

Avg. yield/acre 3.0 tons (~35-40 hl/ha.)