Arinarnoa

We're posting late this morning because the trip from the western Loire valley to the craggy high desert of Lebanon near Bekaa Valley was difficult. And, we're also drinking wine from a fairly obscure red grape that is a hybrid born of the 2nd half of the 20th century of 2 far better known grapes. Arinarnoa is a grape bred from the marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat. While the grape is believed to have been bred in either Languedoc or Provence in southwest France, plantings as a percentage of total wine grape plantings have been far higher in both the South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, and in Lebanon.

It's a very dark grape, not surprisingly given its heritage. It's also quite tannic, yet aromatic at the same time. It grows easily in particularly temperamental landscapes and has been found to make it through harvest without so much as drip irrigation.

It buds quite late and also harvests late, producing a decently long growing season in total. As a young wine, it has a tendency toward being harsh. Perhaps that is due to the grape and the inexperience of winemakers in dealing with it. Perhaps it is moreso due to not having been produced by the most talented of winemakers.

On the nose, note that as a grandchild of Cabernet Franc, it carries much of the same greenness particularly when young. As it matures, it tends to bring out more of the leathery and dark candy notes of its daddy, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pair your Arinarnoa with green peppercorn sauces or with a roast served with mashed potatoes. Or simply savor it with aged, somewhat firm cheese.