TENET
GSM CALIFORNIA
GRENACHE • SYRAH • MOURVÈDRE
"The elegance of the Rhône with the soul of California: a masterful blend that balances fresh fruit with silky tannins and earthy depth."
The Meeting of Two Worlds
The Tenet project stems from an extraordinary collaboration between the visionary Charles Smith and Rhône Valley masters, Philippe Cambie and Michel Gassier. This GSM is a tribute to French tradition, reinterpreted under the California sun to offer controlled power and vibrant elegance. It is proof that the "tenet" (dogma or principle) of classical viticulture can flourish with new energy in American terroir.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Tenet Wines.
Origin: Selection of temperate climate vineyards, California, USA.
Blend: Grenache (Body and fruit), Syrah (Structure and color), Mourvèdre (Spices and longevity).
Aging: 12 to 16 months in fine-grained French oak barrels.
Alcohol Content: 14.5% Alc. Vol.
Presentation: 750 ml
2. Sommelier Notes (Sensory Experience)
Appearance: Deep ruby red, dense and brilliant, with violet edges that reveal its excellent concentration.
Nose: An intoxicating and complex bouquet. Dominant notes of ripe red fruits (raspberry, black cherry) that blend with exotic spices, white pepper, lavender, and a subtle hint of cocoa.
Palate: Enveloping and sumptuous texture. The tannins are silky, perfectly polished by the wood. It presents an exceptional balance between the warmth of Californian fruit and the acidic freshness that invites a second sip.
3. Blend Architecture
4. Pairing and Serving Ritual
Robust Cuisine: The ultimate companion for a **Rosemary-roasted lamb**, grilled meat cuts with a pepper crust, or a slow-cooked beef stew (Short Rib).
Signature Cuisine: Pairs sublimely with a Porcini mushroom risotto or a traditional Ratatouille that highlights the Mourvèdre notes.
Cheeses: Aged sheep cheeses, young Manchego, or mild blue cheeses that contrast with its fruitiness.
Premium Service: Serve at **16°C-18°C**. A short decantation of 20-30 minutes is recommended to aerate the wine and awaken its aromatic complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean for a blend to be 'Rhône style'?
It refers to the tradition of the Côtes du Rhône region in France, where these three varieties are blended to achieve balance: Grenache provides alcohol and fruit, Syrah gives color and tannins, and Mourvèdre adds longevity and animal/spicy complexity.
Is it a cellar-worthy wine?
Yes. Although it is extremely enjoyable now due to its silky tannins, its structure will allow it to evolve favorably in the cellar for the next **8 to 12 years**.
