J.C. Somers, "Joie de Chien" Tempranillo 2021, Garnier Vineyard, Columbia Gorge, OR

A young and easy-drinking Tempranillo with a jammy nose full of blackberries, plums, and herbs. On the palate it’s juicy, with light and easy tannins.

COUNTRY: USA

STATE: Oregon

APPELLATION (AVA): Columbia Gorge

REGION: Mosier

VINEYARD: Garnier Vineyard

VINTAGE: 2021

GRAPES: 100% Tempranillo

SOIL: Sandy with light clay

PRACTICE: Certified organic

VINIFICATION: Native fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels.

STYLE: Still

COLOR: Medium ruby-purple

BODY: Medium

TASTE: Dry

TANNINS: Light and gentle

PRIMARY AROMAS: Red fruits, jammy, black plums, herbs

FLAVOR: Juicy and ripe, blackberry, sage

FORMAT: 750 ml

ALCOHOL: 13.5%

SERVICE AND FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pair with our Herb-Crusted Lamb Chop Duo with Rhubarb Chutney.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER AND WINEMAKER: Jay Somers

Owner and native Oregonian Jay Somers has been making wine in the Willamette Valley for more than 30 years and established the J. Christopher brand in 1996. Working with great winemakers like his mentor John Paul of Cameron Winery and time spent at Adelsheim and Dry River in New Zealand Jay’s wines are hand-crafted in small lots and are sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Willamette Valley. 

The philosophy at J.C, Somers is to produce wines in an Old-World style that emphasizes focus, length, and balance. As Jay puts it, “We do not make fruit bombs. We want wines that have a fine balance of fruit, acidity, and texture. ​When Jay is not busy making wine he is usually playing guitar and composing new music for his band Portland Cement, check out their new album "The Road to El Groove"  on your favorite streaming app. As Ronda Newell Somers, She has been with Jay since 1991 and has been an important part of the winemaking team since 1996. Beyond the efforts of marketing and sales, she has been in trenches of harvest and the cellar from the beginning. Most importantly is her moral support and ability to make a great cocktail at the perfect time.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD: Garnier Vineyards

Garnier Vineyards’ soil is sandy with light clay content, imparting a perfect mix of nutrients for growing grapes and other fruit. The vineyard’s proximity to the Columbia River and low elevation provides valuable added heat units during the growing season and frost protection during winter. Garnier Vineyards overlooks the scenic Columbia River from the historic, 300+ acre Mayerdale Estate near Mosier, Oregon. Grape growers, vintners, and wine aficionados [or experts] prize the area’s fertile soil, distinct fruit-bearing weather, and unique micro-climates.

ABOUT THE LABEL: Joie de Chien means “joy of dog” in French, and references Jay's love of dogs. German Shepherds specifically have long been integral members of his family.