Sol Rei Wine Varietals
Five-star varietals rooted in history and tradition in Europe.
Reborn in Northern California wine country.
Each has a distinctive story to tell from the origins of the vine to the lovely wine in your glass.
Sauvignon Blanc
From the Livermore Valley, plantings of Sauvignon Blanc vines spread throughout Northern California including the Sierra Foothills and Central Valley. For our Sauvignon Blanc, the climate, soil, and winemaking style most resembles Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley displaying crisp acidity and minerality drawn from the volcanic soil. It typically is one of the first wine grapes to be harvested in the fall so that the acid is preserved.
Ideally served chilled, this crisp, elegant wine provides a fresh palette counterpoint to buttery sauces and cheeses. Whether you are planning a casual get-together or a fancy dinner, Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, zesty, and ready to mingle with a variety of dishes.
Syrah
Syrah, known for its bold flavors and deep color, is one of the world's most revered grape varieties. Its origins trace back to the Rhône Valley in southeastern France, with some of the earliest mentions of the grape dating back to the Roman era.
There are various legends about Syrah’s origins, with some myths suggesting that it was brought to France by the Romans from the Persian city of Shiraz. However, modern genetic research has confirmed that Syrah is native to France, a cross between two obscure grapes: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche.
Syrah became a prominent grape in the Rhône Valley, particularly in the northern Rhône, where it is the sole grape used in famous wines such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. The grape flourished in this region’s rocky soils and steep slopes, producing wines known for their intense flavors, peppery spice, and longevity.
California in the 20th Century
Syrah made its way to California in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that it gained real traction. Early attempts to grow Syrah in California faced challenges, as the grape didn’t initially thrive in the warmer climates where it was first planted. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, interest in Syrah grew among California winemakers who were inspired by the wines of the Rhône Valley.
They believed that Syrah, along with other Rhône grapes, could produce wines of exceptional quality in California's diverse climates. These pioneers experimented with planting Syrah in cooler, more temperate regions of Northern California. Here, Syrah found its groove, developing a complex flavor profile that balanced rich fruit with the characteristic pepper and spice.
Sol Rei Syrah
Syrah starting verasion during July 2024 growing season slated for the Sol Rei Syrah 2024 vintage. By harvest in the Fall, these grapes will have a uniform, deep purple color. Note the uniform size in the grapes. A very good sign of quality.
Exhibiting the classic deep plum, pepper, and spice notes, Sol Rei Syrah makes the perfect pairing for grilled meats like steak, lamb, or even a juicy burger. It is also a wonderful choice to pair with an assortment of hard cheeses, nuts, and dried figs on a charcuterie board to delight your guests. Our Syrah’s complexity will balance every bite. For chocolate lovers, Syrah’s dark fruit and spice notes are a natural match for the bittersweet richness of dark chocolate.
Given that this is a bold, powerful wine, it can be cellared over time or can be consumed immediately despite its young age. This ability, along with having very low histamines, is largely due to a process called Carbonic Maceration. During the initial stages of the winemaking process, whole grapes are preserved and the fermentation process happens inside each grape. With whole grape fermentation, there is less exposure to bitter tannins in the seeds so the wine exhibits a smoothness typically seen in red wines cellared for many years while displaying a fruit-forward freshness and depth that signifies a modern-style red wine. Additionally, carbonic maceration lowers histamine levels primarily due to the anaerobic conditions that limit bacterial activity during winemaking. When tested by a third party laboratory, the histamine level in this wine was significantly below the standard histamine level of red wines which range from 30 - 1600ppm.
Mencia
Mencía is a red grape variety with deep roots in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in northwestern Spain. Its history dates back to the Roman era, making it one of the oldest known grape varieties in the region.
Mencía has traditionally been grown in the regions of Bierzo in Castilla y León, and in Galicia, particularly in the Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras areas. For centuries, Mencía was primarily used to produce light, simple wines meant for local consumption.
Introduction to California
One of the first regions to embrace Mencía was the California Central Coast, known for its diverse climates and soils that allow for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive. Here, Mencía was planted in cooler, coastal areas where it could benefit from the temperate climate and the influence of the Pacific Ocean. This helped preserve the grape’s natural acidity and allowed it to develop its characteristic bright fruit and mineral notes.
Mencía has often been called the “Pinot Noir of Spain” due to its elegant structure, fresh acidity, and the ability to reflect the nuances of the terroir where it’s grown. This comparison has sparked interest among Pinot Noir lovers in California, leading to increased plantings of Mencía in cooler regions; however, it is still quite rare in California.
Sol Rei Private Reserve
Our signature red blend, Sol Rei Private Reserve, contains the rare Mencia grapes that are small in size, yet packed with flavor. The wine is made in the style of Pinot Noir creating a medium body wine with a fresh, bright acidity with notes of red berries. Its subtle tannins won’t overwhelm most dishes, making it a versatile companion. If you are looking for a somewhat unconventional pairing for your holiday turkey, this would be a great choice. Like Pinot Noir, Mencía’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the stuffing, balancing the savory flavors and enhancing the turkey's flavor. If your stuffing includes fruit like cranberries, the wine’s red berry and subtle floral profile can harmonize beautifully with those flavors. This would also be a good selection for roasted vegetables and vegetarian main dishes.
