Dunites - 'Dune Song' - Grenache - SLO Coast, CA - 2023

A cooler-climate example of this variety, which is often described as “heat loving.” Grenache thrives in the shallow soils that are abundant in granite rocks at this hillside site. The cooling influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean contributes to an extended hang time where the grapes ripen slowly while developing complex flavors without producing wines of excessive alcohol. Partial whole cluster vinification, native yeasts, and aging in 500-liter neutral French oak puncheon were all employed to ensure purity and balance. The finished wine is juicy with ripe berry and plum flavors and brightened by lively acidity and a saline finish with subtle, firm tannins.

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Dunites Wine Company

We are a small wine brand named after an eclectic group of 1930s metropolitan refugees known as the Dunites who settled in the beach dunes of San Luis Obispo county. This group proudly described themselves as a collection of free thinkers, artists, nudists, and poets. Together they shared meals, cohabited a mutual gathering space, philosophized, dissented, and generally allowed one another to live and express themselves freely outside of the cultural norms of the time.

Drawing inspiration for this project from the remote beauty of the coastal dunes and the progressive ambition of the Dunites to aspire towards a clear goal; to produce pure and elegant wines that respect the coastal influence of vineyard sites located on the uplifted seafloor and ancient sand dunes of the SLO Coast. Combining diverse vineyard sites with traditional techniques in the cellar allow for these small production wines to express the distinct characteristics of their sites.

We are a husband - wife team who combine our experiences to craft these wines. Together we have worked for over a dozen wineries and vineyards around the world where the people, cultures, and wines have influenced our approach to growing and making wine.

While we are not dogmatic, we try to adhere to the following guidelines when possible.

Whole cluster inclusion of varying percentages for aromatic complexity, freshness, and structure
Minimal use of sulfur and vinification without sulfites lead towards competition between different yeasts and bacteria
Gentle extraction by pigeage (foot treading!) to release juice from the berries without breaking the seeds and stems
Ageing the wine on healthy lees for protection from oxygen and to promote a smooth, seamless mouthfeel
Maturation in neutral oak barrels to showcase the great vineyards we work with
Bottling without fining or filtration to not remove anything from the wine. Plus, if we have done our job well then these steps are unnecessary

Above all, they should be delicious.