Lost Ranch - 'Hofer' - Grenache - Cucamonga Valley, CA - 2023

@lostranchwinery

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Grenache from the historic Hofer Ranch vineyard planted in the 1930's in Ontario, California. We de-stemmed and bin fermented this with about 10% whole cluster. Aged in neutral French Oak barrels for about 14 months. Alc: 14.3% pH: 3.83

Notes on the Producer

Jasmine and Joseph Wiens created Lost Ranch in 2020, with the dream of making low intervention wines and opening a working ranch focused on regenerative farming principles. Lost Ranch grows and sources grapes from organic and regeneratively farmed vineyards. We believe that the increase in quality outweighs the additional work required to farm this way. More importantly, we believe that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land, which means not using synthetic chemicals that are harmful to our environment and our health. Additionally, our no-till farming and native cover crops ensure a healthy environment, rich with biodiversity. We farm with the lightest touch, integrating as seamlessly as possible with our natural ecosystem. We also strive to find the best grape varieties for Temecula. Our goal is to find vines that require the least amount of inputs, while producing the best grapes. This means researching and farming varieties that are less prone to mildew, drought, disease, and damage from heat waves.

Grapes & Style

Grenache

Grenache is one of the great Mediterranean red grapes, central to the southern Rhône, Spain, and many of the warmer, drier wine regions around the world. It’s known as Garnacha in Spain, where it has deep roots, and it plays a major role in wines from places like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Priorat, Navarra, and the Sierra de Gredos.

In the vineyard, Grenache ripens late and likes heat, sun, and wind. It can handle drought well, but it needs thoughtful farming because it can produce high alcohol and soft structure if pushed too far. Old vines are especially valuable, often giving naturally lower yields and more concentrated fruit.

In the glass, Grenache tends toward red fruit, strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs, spice, and a warm, generous texture. It’s usually lighter in color than its flavor suggests, with moderate tannin and plenty of charm. The best versions balance ripeness with freshness, showing warmth without becoming heavy.