Qupe: Marssane, Roussane.

After the Gewurtz didn't work, I still wanted to work with an aromatic white. When Bob Linquest was on "I'll Drink to That" he mentioned his Northern Rhone varietals Roussane and Marssane, I knew where to go next. 

Qupe, Bein Nacido Hillside Estate Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbra, California, Roussane 2008

Sinus cleaning, at 14.5% this boy doesn't mess around. The alcohol is quite subdued by the oak but it is really rich. Pineapple and lemon. Not a huge fan, the price point is a bit high, but I can see this being a crowd pleaser. Would go well with a heavy sauced chicken. Think about a big Napa Chardonnay in texture with a more aromatic nose. 

Price: $27

Cases Made: about 25,000

ABV: 14.5% 

Qupe, Santa Barbra County, California, Marsanne 2012

Diggin it. Honeycrisp apple with a small amount of old herb and minnerality. A little of new oak, but it isn’t the first thing you take away from the wine. It is light and not astringent in the acidity. The 25% roussane in this, rounds out any rough edges that could have been present,think about wax paper bent around a sandstone. Really feels like this is hands off wine making. This is a very drinkable wine for good price.

Price: $20

Cases Made: Roughly 13,000

ABV: 12.5%

Blend: 75% Marsanne, 25% Roussanne