2014 Terre Rouge - Mourvedre Sierra Foothills (750ml)

2014 Terre Rouge Mourvèdre — Sierra Foothills (750ml)

Terre Rouge embodies Bill Easton’s lifelong pursuit to prove Rhône varieties can flourish in California’s Sierra Foothills. Rooted in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley, the winery’s name nods to the region’s terre rouge—red earth—where granite and volcanic soils create a climate that concentrates flavor while preserving balance. The 2014 Mourvèdre draws fruit from vineyards across four foothill counties—Placer, El Dorado, Amador, and Calaveras—each contributing the region’s characteristic depth and structure.

After fermentation, the wine spent time in oak, integrating spice notes that enrich the fruit without overwhelming it. The result is a Mourvèdre with a deep, saturated color and a core of ripe blackberry and black cherry, layered with cardamom, cinnamon, and a whisper of wood smoke from the aging process.

Tasting profile

• Appearance: deep, saturated color
• Aroma: blackberry and black cherry complemented by warm spice
• Palate: full-bodied and firmly tannic, with generous fruit that maintains balance through the finish

Terroir and winemaking notes

The Sierra Foothills’ volcanic and granite soils impart focused fruit and structural backbone, stressing vines just enough to concentrate flavor while preserving freshness. Fermentation followed by oak aging provides a tapestry of spice and depth that supports the wine’s longevity, aligning with Terre Rouge’s philosophy of wines with real depth and aging potential.

Food pairing and serving

Pairs beautifully with braised lamb shank, wild boar ragù, or a wedge of aged sheep’s milk cheese. As a wine built to age, it rewards patience—consider letting it evolve over time to appreciate deeper spice integration and softened tannins.