2009 Benovia Sonoma Mountain Grenache

Benovia was founded in 2005 when Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane decided to leave their careers in health care and purchase a vineyard near Healdsburg. The couple found a business partner in Mike Sullivan, a winemaker who now is co-owner, general manager and winemaker. Benovia owns 71 acres of vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Sonoma County AVAs. The estate makes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Grenache, and the wine is generally available only through the estate’s mailing list.

One of the most popular red varieties planted, it ripens late and prefers hot dry climates. It probably originated in Spain, where it is still widely grown. Grenache is best known for its use in Southern Rhone wines, including those of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.