Fine Disregard Wine Co. 'Altas Piedras' Grenache, Sonoma County

Wild red berries and sun-warmed herbs rise from the glass with vivid clarity. 2022 Fine Disregard Wine Co. Altas Piedras Grenache captures the expressive character of a tightly spaced, head-trained vineyard planted in the foothills of Eastern Sonoma County. Crafted by Mike Schieffer and Kara Maraden with a restrained, minimal-intervention approach, this final vintage from the Altas Piedras block highlights both the concentration and finesse that thoughtful farming and careful cellar work can achieve.

Product Details:

• Winemakers: Mike Schieffer, Kara Maraden
  
• ABV: 13.3%
  
• Bottles: 662
• Varietal: 100% Grenache
  
• Vineyard: Altas Piedras vineyard block
  
• Vine Planting: 2010
• Farming: Biodynamic practices
  
• Vine Training: Head-trained vines
  
• Vine Spacing: 3 feet by 5 feet dense spacing
  
• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts
  
• Aging: Neutral and used oak

Sensory Description:

2022 Fine Disregard Wine Co. Altas Piedras Grenache opens with lifted aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, and red cherry layered with hints of dried herbs and subtle spice. The unusually small clusters produced by the densely planted vines contribute both concentration and structure, giving the wine fine-grained tannins and surprising depth. On the palate, vibrant red fruit is balanced by fresh acidity and a gently savory undertone, while the restrained use of neutral oak preserves the purity of the fruit. The finish is long, bright, and textural, with lingering notes of red berries and delicate spice.

Producer’s Background:

Fine Disregard Wine Co. is the personal project of Mike Schieffer and Kara Maraden, two wine professionals deeply rooted in California viticulture and winemaking. Schieffer serves as Assistant Winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars and has gained experience working in Bordeaux and Australia’s Hunter Valley. Maraden is Director of Viticulture for Foley Family Farms and holds advanced degrees in horticulture and plant pathology. Together they seek out distinctive vineyard sites, often organically farmed or historic plantings, and produce wines with minimal intervention to highlight California’s diverse vineyard heritage.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a Burgundy-style wine glass to emphasize its aromatic lift and supple structure. Pair with roasted lamb, grilled vegetables, tomato-based dishes, charcuterie, or herb-driven Mediterranean cuisine. Its balanced acidity and elegant tannin also complement lighter grilled meats and rustic pasta dishes.