Naumes Family Vineyards, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Grenache 2016

 The Rogue Valley Winegrowers Association’s website tells us that the Rogue Valley, Oregon’s southernmost winegrowing area, has 4,000 acres of vines.  The most important red wines in the warm area are made from Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, and Malbec.  You’ll note that Grenache is absent from that list.  Judging from this wine, it should be near the head of the list.  Lively and fruity, but not sweet, this mid-weight wine delivers notes of bright wild strawberries.  The flavors dance on the palate.  There’s real refinement here.  Drink it now with a spicy tomato-based sauce on pasta.