2007 Reininger Syrah and the Rhône Rangers
Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon, an original Rhône Ranger
As you know from our blog post last week, Syrah was traditionally grown in southern France. We promised to tell you how it made its way to the new world and became such a well known and loved varietal.
Introduction of Syrah to America
American winemakers like Robert Mondavi had been seriously stepping up their game and working on producing good quality New World wines since the 1970′s. In the 1980′s, some of these wine growing pioneers realized the terrain of Napa Valley was similar to wines grown in the Rhône Valley. These insightful vintners banded together and decided to strive to grow the best Rhône style wines they could. And what could make innovative wine makers taking a brilliant step forward for New World wine even more fun? A sassy name such as the Rhône Rangers.
Rhône Rangers
The Rhône Rangers started making wines out of the traditional varietals of Southern France such as Viognier, Mourvedre, Grenache, Mourvedre, Marsanne, Roussanne, and of course, Syrah. Some of the winemakers who best embody the movement are Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard, Joseph Phelps of Joseph Phelps Winery, John McCready of Sierra Vista Winery, Bill Crawford of McDowell Valley Vineyards, Steve Edmunds of Edmunds St. John and Bob Lindquist of Qupé Wine Cellars. Luckily for all of us, the message and innovation of the Rhône Rangers carried outside the boundaries of Napa Valley.
2007 Reininger Syrah in the Walla Walla Valley
One of the amazing things about the Walla Walla AVA is how incredibly versatile it is. As it turns out, the plentiful sunlight and cooler temperatures of Walla Walla are ideal for growing Rhône Valley style varietals. All of us who have fallen in love with various incarnations of the Reininger and Helix Syrah’s owe the Rhône Rangers a hearty thank you for championing the varietals of Southern France. Visit our tasting room and pick up some Reininger Syrah for yourself.
P.S. If you love the flavors of Reininger Rhône varietal wines, try our Southern Rhône blend!
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