broc cellars

Broc Cabernet Franc

by whitney on November 3, 2013

I ordered Chinese take-out, I had SNL on the TV, life was good. It was even BETTER because I had Broc Cabernet Franc in my glass. I loved the 2011 vintage and am even more in love with 2012. This is the kind of Cabernet I’m into- not too green and peppery, but fresh and fruity (and whole cluster.) Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all fruit loops and smiley faces. It has some depth and earth. It’s a great little wine and I basically drank an entire bottle by myself. What else do I need to say, people? Seek it out and hoard it.

There are some other things in this photo I’m loving. I picked up a few of these white porcelain bottle coasters. Super cheap, chic, and functional. And those glasses? My new favorite weeknight drinking vessel. They remind me wine doesn’t always have to be so precious. I’m eating cashew chicken and watching Stefon talk about Halloween, after all.

Picpoul de Paso

by whitney on May 22, 2012

No, not Picpoul de Pinet. Picpoul de PASO. Robles, that is. Picpoul is a white grape (there are noir and gris versions as well) that you find mostly in southern France. It’s name apparently translates to “lip stinger” and refers to its naturally high acidity. Anyone know if the lip stinger thing is accurate? Always wondered.

A few weeks ago I tried a delicious domestic Picpoul- the Broc Cellars 2011 Luna Matta Picpoul- when winemaker Chris Brockway was in town. I dug it!

Remember when I dropped my camera on a concrete floor? Well, the photo above is the first one taken during what will be called my alternate photo taking device adventure. This time, I used my vintage Polaroid Land Camera. Artsy…

Anyway, here are a few words from Chris about the Luna Matta vineyard and Picpoul as a grape:

“The Picpoul is from a certified organic vineyard, Luna Matta, located in west side Paso Robles. The Picpoul was grafted onto 6 year old Syrah vines that were struggling in a lower part of the vineyard. The block is mainly sedimentary bedrock. The grape seems to do well in the warm California sun. It takes the heat, sugars never get above 21 brix, while retaining its acidity. Picpoul always seems like lemon and acid to me.”

The wine is aged in stainless steel and Chris bottled only 15 cases (and 5 cases for sparkling.) So, it ain’t easy to find. But, seriously, you guys need Broc in your wine drinking life. I love everything that Chris does. Seek them out!

Did you miss it the first time? Here’s Broc Cellars Red co-starring with me in one of my video collabs with Claire!