About Comartin Cellars
The Story
Adam learned about wine and appreciated its connection to place and culture, by backpacking through Europe as a teenager. After returning to California, he obtained his degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis in 2004. Once again looking to travel, he and Jennifer ventured to Australia and lived in the city of Adelaide outside the Barossa Valley. It is here that Adam was introduced to the Grenache grape and its ability to make exceptional wines.
When they returned to California, Adam went to work for Testarossa Vineyards, where he learned the intricacies of making world class Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. On the road with Testarossa and the Grenache grape in the back of his mind, Adam discovered the premier sites in California for Grenache.
With winemaking experience and a passion to make the best California Grenache, Comartin Cellars was launched. Together, Adam and Jennifer oversee every process, from working with growers and fermenting the grapes to shipping the wines. In their eyes, it is vital to be involved in every step, ensuring exceptional wine quality and personable relationships with customers.
The Philosophy
Wine is ultimately a representation of a time and place, which is crafted by someone who imparts style, whether from culture, tradition, or innovation. Comartin Cellars wines are a reflection of the vineyard or region from which they came. Each site has unique characteristics which are preserved during the winemaking process and simply complimented with Adam's own winemaking style. The style is defined by decisions in harvesting, fermenting, cooperage (barrel type), aging, and many other steps. Through the vineyard and the cellar, Comartin Cellars wines are created with a passion to produce something special for our friends and family.
Grenache
The Grenache grape originated in Spain and spread throughout Europe taking suite to the Rhone Valley of southern France. Here the variety developed a history as a crucial component of the famed Chateauneuf du Pape wines, as well as Cote du Rhone wines. In the mid to late 1800's, along with the European migration, the vines made their way to Australia and California.
During the mid-1900's, grapes were grown for large scale production and due to its ability to produce large crops, Grenache was heavily planted. In fact, at one point Grenache was the most widely planted grape in California.
Not until the last few decades, when wine quality and artisan winemaking became popular, did Grenache start to show as a variety. It has become apparent with the correct climate, soil, and care, Grenache can make wonderfully complex and rich wines. Generally, Grenache flavors are fruit driven similar to Pinot Noir, but have more structure comparable to a Syrah.