We spent a lot of time and energy working hard in the vineyard to try to grow the tastiest grapes possible, but in 2014 we had a run of things that went against us, with two of the grape-grower’s worst enemies getting the upper hand towards the end of the summer. This year we had four generations of ‘eudemis’ of the grape berry moth. Normally, there’s only three. But their numbers grow exponentially, and with a fourth generation, we had a lot of damage. Secondly, we had an attack of the dreaded Asian fruit fly – drosophila suzukii. Unlike ‘normal’ fruit-fly, which only attack grapes that are already damaged – Suzukii will bite a hole in a healthy grapes, and turn it to vinegar very quickly. A very thorough hand selection resulted in us throwing away around 50% of our grapes. Of the grapes picked, we decided that regretfully our Carignan grapes were not up to the necessary standard for Domaine of the Bee wines, so they were sold in bulk. However our small quantity of Grenache was delicious and demanded to be bottled.

More bright cherry and raspberry fruits alongside with a touch of local herbs. The black schist soils gives the wine purity.

On the palate The Bee-Side is bursting with expressive red fruit, but there is also a distinct mineral freshness, fine tannins and notes of fennel that balance the wine perfectly. The finish is long.

A beaming cherry red.

Great with grilled and barbequed food, hard cheeses, and robust pasta dishes.

After pressing in a small basket press, the wine was drained into two 500 L barrels, one 1-year-old barrel, and one 4-year-old barrel, which were then blended to produce this delicious Grenache.

Harvested by hand with selected bunches being sorted in the vineyard, and then a grape by grape selection was performed at the winery door.