2008 Qupé Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard Syrah

Qupé was named to honor the indigenous people of California’s Central Coast and Channel Islands, the Chumash. In Chumash language the word for the California poppy sounds like “kyoo-pay,” so estate founder Bob Lindquist gave the name a French spelling and used it for his label. Lindquist founded Qupé in 1982 after a dozen years working at Central Coast wine estates and wine shops. Qupé quickly earned a following for Chardonnay, though Lindquist’s passion is Rhone varieties. He is one of the pioneers of the Central Coast Rhone Rangers movement and has been influential in creating a market for well-made American Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne and Marsanne. Qupé grows grapes on its own San Luis Obispo County vineyards, and sources grapes from premier local vineyards including Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. Qupé makes red and white wines that win accolades from reviewers.

Edna Valley AVA is within San Luis Obispo County, and within the large Central Coast AVA. Edna Valley became an AVA in 1982 and it includes 22,400 acres of extremely fertile land blessed with a long growing season. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the principal grapes, though Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Grenache, Viognier, Merlot and Petite Sirah also are grown. Spanish missionaries were growing grape vines in the Edna Valley in the 18th century, but the valley’s modern wine industry took off in the 1970s. Today there are more than 50 Edna Valley wineries.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.