The wines of Broken Earth are made to accurately portray varietal defenition, purity of fruit and balance. The palate must appear “seamless” and where more complex wines are intended, they must allow the layers of complexity to continually emerge as you familiarize yourself with the wine.
-
In September 2019, 28 tons were handpicked and delivered to the winery. The fruit was crushed and inoculated the same day with BDXyeast. Pump overs were done twice a day throughout the ferment. Alcoholic fermentation finished in October of 2018 and the tank was pressed off skins and then malolactic fermentation began. It was finished in November 2018. In April 2019, the wine was transferred to new hybrid oak and new French oak barrels. The wine was left in the barrel until mid-June 2020. After filtration, the wine was bottled on June 18, 2020. Cabernet Franc is a significant Bordeaux variety that figures prominently in the “right bank” styles of Pomerol and St Emilionalthough it is rarely released there on its own. Paso Robles’ climate has the ability to get it ripe on its own and we are confident, and excited, to release this 100% varietal Download Tasting Notes -
Albillo Mayor is a white variety that has its origins in Galicia in north-western Spain. Interestingly, DNA studies have determined that it is one of the parent grapes of Tempranillo, one of Spain’s premier red varieties. There is also an understanding that it is the origin of the widely acclaimed Argentinian white variety, Torrontes. After some discussion, and consideration, we have opted to use Albillo Mayor as the varietal name. Some may recall the previous vintage of this wine (2019) we called Anonymity in lieu of determining the best option. The grape variety presents with relatively tough skins and, while it shows some susceptibility to mildew, thrives in the dry and warm conditions of our Paso Robles Estate Vineyard. Torrontes is typically grown at higher altitudes while Albillo Mayor enjoys the warmer climates just north of Portugal. In Paso, we need to be very mindful of sunburn on the fruit and have adjusted our vine canopy management accordingly, choosing to allow natural shading from the active canopy. The style of wine is focused on ripe, tropical fruit with a softer palate while still maintain balanced natural acidity. The fruit was harvested on 9/23/20 at 20.8 Brix and following 21 days fermenting, resulted in a finished wine with 11.57% alcohol and 0.8g/L residual sugar. This means the wine is very dry with a lower alcohol than you would typically expect from Paso Robles. Download Tasting Notes -
Rosé, as a wine, has certainly gained prominence in recent years with consumers. The darker, sweeter versions have given way, though, too much tighter and drier styles that reflect real elegance and style. We chose Grenache to be the basis of our Rosé which is the predominant grape used in Provence-style Rosé blends. This 2022 vintage is bright, fresh, and highly fragrant. While it is very dry on the palate you'll get a burst of strawberry and raspberry fruit. It has a great length of flavor and wonderfully balanced acidity making it the perfect drink for all your spring and summer occasions! -
This is the third crop from a section of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that were replanted, and it is the first real showing of our vineyard’s true potential as these vines will produce and improve upon with age. This Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon matured in New French Oak, which has an extremely tight grain and leaves little space for air exposure, creating a more delicate mouthfeel. According to the winemaker, this is a French Cabernet on steroids. Pair this wine with duck or a leaner beef, with nothing too rich in the sauce. Perfectly seared lamb would also go quite nicely. Download Tasting Notes -
The base wine is the same as our 2018 Limited Release Albariño. The vines are quite old (20+ years) on a quad trellising system that can be susceptible to sunburn, so the harvest date needs to be very specific. The handpicked grapes were in excellent condition, with the ripeness at 21.6 Brix. Processed first thing in the morning through the new Diemme Velvet 80 Press, which ensures that little to no oxygen comes in contact with the juice, resulting in brighter, fresher product. The free run juice was separated from the pressings to allow the more elegant characters to prevail. Ferment was complete on 10/19/18, lasting 34 days. The fermented wine was then cold stabilized and heat stabilized. Most of the base wine was then bottled for limited release while the rest was put through Méthode Champenoise. This is the process used to create the famous wines of the Champagne region in France. A ‘base’ wine is created prior to being transferred to the bottles where the secondary fermentation occurs. Sugar and specialized yeast are then added, the bottle is capped (crown seal) and fermentation occurs, whereby generating more alcohol but more importantly CO2. The wine is then topped to the required level with the liqueur d’expedition before the cork is inserted and the wire hood attached. Download Tasting Notes -
The base wine was produced from the same grapes as our 2018 Limited Release Grenache Rosé. The fruit was machine harvested during the night, with the ripeness at 20.3 Brix, aiming for a brighter, austere style of Rosé. On receipt at the winery, the grapes were crushed into a fermenter and inoculated straight away with QA 23 yeast. After 38 hours on skins, the fermenting juice was drained off to complete cold fermentation on its own. The fermentation was completed on 10/8/18 after 27 days. It was racked off gross lees on 11/2/18. The fermented wine was then cold stabilized and heat stabilized. Most of the base wine was then bottled for limited release while some was set aside in order to be put through Méthode Champenoise. This is the process used to create the famous wines of the Champagne region in France. A ‘base’ wine is created prior to being transferred to the bottles where the secondary fermentation occurs. Sugar and specialized yeast are then added, the bottle is capped (crown seal) and fermentation occurs, whereby generating more alcohol but more importantly CO2. The wine is then topped to the required level with the liqueur d’expedition before the cork is inserted and the wire hood attached. Download Tasting Notes -
This variety is synonymous with intensity of color, tannin and dense fruit and our wine exhibits these traits with the added benefit of refinement. Rich brambly fruits on the nose lead into luscious dark fruits on the palate. The subtle oak has combined with blackberry fruits to produce vanilla bean and roasted coffee flavors. This is our second release of Petite Sirah and based on the quality of the two vintages produced so far there will be many more to come. Download Tasting Notes -
Our Limited Release Tempranillo is sourced entirely from our own estate vineyards in Paso Robles. The bouquet is lifted or perfumed, look for a combination of ripe berries, violets, and subtle cigar-box oak. This wine is complex and velvety in texture, with the perfect balance of acid and tannin. The palate has fruit in abundance and is wonderfully integrated with fine ripe tannin and clean, natural acidity. Look for redberry flavors, with a touch of earth and spice. Its medium body, balanced tannins, acidity, and fruit make Tempranillo an excellent food wine. Pair with comfort-food menus from braised meats to flavorful risottos. Download Tasting Notes -
Relatively unknown as a grape varietal domestically Albarino’s original home is in Rias Baixas in the North-West of Spain. Differing greatly from that of the climate of Paso Robles, Rias Baixas has a cool climate with high rainfall throughout the year and even during the growing season. This forces the early harvest of this varietal in its original home and hence the zesty, vibrant acid driven wine styles from Spain. Although this varietal represents just a small part of our vineyard (1.65ac) the Broken Earth Albarino receives ample attention as it provides the winemaking team a challenge to produce a contemporary take of a classic wine style. Our Albarino is a ‘Californian’ approach where classic characters are complemented by powerful fruit and great length. Download Tasting Notes -
Broken Earth produces a number of Rhone style blends and our estate Syrah block is a critical component of each of them. Typically, a parcel of Viognier fruit is “co-fermented”with Syrah to add both texture, fruit and assist with color stability. This ferment is normally around 12-15% Viognier but is diluted to less than 3% in the final Rhone blends. However, the winemaker recognized a great opportunity as the ferment was being pressed to present something special to our Wine Club members. A small volume was retained and bottled separately. Download Tasting Notes -
Our Vineyard Select range is a series of wines that are sourced from independent growers who supply varieties that are not part of our current vineyard plantings. This Pinot Noir was sourced from a vineyard very close by our own in Paso Robles. Pinot Noir is a variety that sees many interpretations of style ranging from subtle, yet elegant wines to rich and bold textured releases. We prefer to echo the more sophisticated type, more along the lines of the great wines from Burgundy in France. Download Tasting Notes -
Our Malbec grapes were delivered on October 23, 2019. We received about 30 tons of Malbec from our estate vineyard. The fruit was crushed, de-stemmed, and sent to tank. The Brix upon arrival was 23 degrees, the pH was 4.23. We added tartaric acid to the must due to the very high pH. BDX yeast was used to inoculate the must. Two pump overs were done daily turning over the fruit and helping with the ferment. The Malbec finished alcoholic fermentation on October 25, 2019, and was pressed off the skins. Malolactic fermentation ended on November 26, 2019. Barrels were individually selected for bottling (50% new French Oak and 50% older hybrid barrels). A full-bodied wine with bright plum and rich blackberry flavors. Download Tasting Notes -
This varietal is native to Italy, predominantly in Campania and Sicily as it prefers a warmer climate. It carries its own DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita) rating as FianodiAvellino in Campania. This is a fascinating variety that offers some powerful aromatics both through fermenting and in the bottle. The levels of tropical fruit aromas and flavors are extraordinary and with careful canopy management, this varietal loves the climate at our vineyard. Its tropical flavors are supported by honey notes and some spice. The fruit dominates though, on both the nose and the palate. A touch of grip on the finish helps tie the fruit up nicely. Surprisingly there is a hint of oak in the background which again ensures the complexity is focused. Currently the winemaking team’s favorite white, we are excited to see how the wines develop as the vineyard reaches maturity and its full potential. This wine has the weight and presence of a great Chardonnay but has the added depth of much more fruit. Whereby giving it the ability to suit many different occasions and food pairings. This is also a wine that enjoys not so chilled conditions, allowing the fruit to emerge by not serving too cold. Download Tasting Notes -
Held up to the light, this wine illuminates an opaque and yet semi-translucent ruby color. Scents of chocolate, cherries and baked berry pie waft from the glass. It’s impossible not to want to get more up close and personal with this wine. A slight leather flavor mixed within tobacco and earth notes makes itself known up front and in the cheeks. In the middle of the palate, there is distinct cacao power and a sultry dark chocolate nib taste mixed with delicate floral notes that envelops the senses. Download Tasting Notes -
Fruit was handpicked and delivered to the winery where it was crushed and inoculated that same day with Clos yeast. Pump overs were done twice a day throughout the ferment. Alcoholic fermentation finished and the tank was pressed off skins. Malolactic fermentation began and the wine was transferred to 50% French oak barrels and 50% Hybrid oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation continued until January 2021. The wine stayed in barrel until June 2021 and then filtration was performed and the wine was bottled. The decision was made to bottle the wine early after sensory evaluation. The wine had come together so well and retained all of the primary fruit characters associated with the variety that further aging was deemed not necessary. Download Tasting Notes -
This is a Mistella style (fortified grape juice) made from Black Muscat grapes. The juice itself has not been fermented so it is very sweet. It is 16.5% alcohol (due to addition of fortifying spirit) which balances the sweetness nicely. The style is technically called a “Mistella” but is classified by the TTB as an “Angelica.” It has a pale apricot color and would suit anything from fresh fruit and berries to dishes with a syrup or sugar glaze. This is a chance to be daring! Download Tasting Notes -
Intensely colored verging on black! This wine is crafted from 100% Petite Sirah off of our estate vineyard. Located on the hillside to the far east of our property where the fruit receives ample afternoon sun allowing for the development of distinct varietal characteristics, rich color and a powerful presence. The nose shows rich black and brambly fruits, vanilla bean and roasted coffee. This wine is lush and easy-drinking, exhibiting intense berry characters, with superb texture you will find in none other than Petite Sirah. A delicious wine! Download Tasting Notes -
The beast has been released! This one hundred percent Tannat does not hold back, and neither should you. A bold, rich varietal that is making a name for itself in California is native to Uruguay; it is the dominant grape grown in the Basque region bordering Spain and France. A deep mulberry color comes from the thick skins of the grape, which also creates a gripping tannin structure on the palate. Mulberry and other dark berry flavors are mirrored in the flavor profile with each sip becoming more intense. This is an unapologetically delicious wine, containing a perceived sweetness and ever giving fruit. Le Bête has a generous structure that pairs impeccably with multiple foods. Staying true to its Basque roots, paella is a rather traditional pairing, especially when the socarrat is perfectly browned. And for an extra bite of luxury, use some of the wine in your favorite barbecue sauce recipe to bring the flavor to the next level... don’t be shy! Download Tasting Notes -
A new adventure with an old friend. La Belle emphasizes all things lovely about the Muscatel varietal that we have adored, and unfortunately forgotten about over the years. This Muscatel, known by the more common name of Muscat, offers insight into a whole new world of what can be achieved when this grape is produced in a new style. When popped and poured, the Lily of the Valley florals and deeply aromatic esters erupt out of the glass with the most delicate of force. The effervescence eager to be set free, it delivers with a cloudburst of ripe peach and other stone fruit, enchanting the utmost reaches of the palate. Instead of the wine continuing on with enveloping levels of overwhelming sweetness, it makes an acute turn in the direction of spritely acidity. A graceful summer porch sipper, acting as a foil to those beastly reds so commonly found in Paso Robles and throughout California. This is a wine that can fly solo, but with its acidity and off dry approachability can stand up to many a cuisine. The best attribute being, this wine can stand up to spice and sour dishes, such as Korean barbecue or various curries. Any variation of a farmer’s market fresh summer dish will work as a hassle-free pairing as well. Download Tasting Notes -
Cabernet Franc is a significant Bordeaux variety that figures prominently in the “right bank” styles of Pomerol and St. Emilion although it is rarely released there on its own. Paso Robles’ climate has the ability to get it ripe on its own and we are confident, and excited, to release this 100% varietal. This crop of Cabernet Franc from our estate vineyards was a much anticipated one. It is a very robust style that retains elegance and finesse. Download Tasting Notes -
For our Estate range of wines, we take the best parcels of each variety and individually handle them to allow the true personalities of each block to be preserved. This wine has the benefit of having our most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon blocks as part of its blend. Blocks 4C and 4D form 33% of this wine. These blocks are normally designated for our Reserve Cabernets but were chosen for our Estate wine this vintage. The fruit was harvested over a period of 16 days commencing in October 2019, with dates depending on clonal and site differences to ensure all components are at their peak. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to new French oak barriques with tight grain for 17 months on average before blending and preparation for bottling. Download Tasting Notes -
Grenache Blanc is a variety that is closely related to Grenache Noir, some believing it is, in fact, a mutation that occurred in Spain and eventually migrated to France. It is best known as a component for many Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes du Rhone wines. In more recent times it has emerged as a stand alone variety and its versatility has resulted a broad array of styles. Our Grenache Blanc Block 2D-N (1.5 acres) was grafted onto original Merlot vines in the late90’s. It is a prolific vine with the potential for quite high yields and it tends to ripen later than some of the reds we harvest like Syrah and Grenache. This can be a bit tricky in the cellar but It’s fruit we are always keen to see. It was harvested on September 24th at 22 Brix and gently pressed and settled before fermentation at 58°F for 33 days. Again, cold fermentation was used to ensure all the delicate components remain with the wine. We do not utilize MLF or any oak with this wine, preferring to harness its unique fruit and textural characteristics. The variety’s texture plays an important role in that it adds eight to the mouthfeel without the expected higher alcohol associated with that complexity. At 12.01% alcohol it is one of those unique varieties that offers fruit ripeness not accompanied by elevated warmth on the palate. Download Tasting Notes -
The Paso Robles AVA has emerged as the premier Rhone varietal region in the USA. The dry, warm conditions lend themselves to producing Rhone style wines of extraordinary depth and character and Grenache is certainly no exception. Broken Earth Winery has enjoyed considerable success with our Estate Grown (and California Certified Sustainable) Grenache and we are proud to offer our latest vintage, the 2019. Harvested on 9/20/19 at 23.4 Brix it promised to be a wine that delivers outstanding flavour without an elevated alcohol level. At 13.79% it offers enough weight to the complex fruit without the presence of too much warmth on the palate. The wine went to oak in March 2020 and remained there for almost 20 months. The barrels (barriques) were predominantly 3rd and 4th use, allowing for some gentle development without overpowering oak present. On the palate it appears softer but the ripe tannins lend a lift to the extended flavours on the back end. This is a wine that can be equally enjoyed on its own or at the dinner table. Download Tasting Notes -
This variety originates from the south west of France in the region of Madiran, part of historical Basque territory. Typically it is blended with Cabernet Franc in the wines labeled Madiran. More recently it has become the preferred red grape for the country of Uruguay and has gained international acclaim. Our Estate vineyards added Tannat as a variety in 2012. Block 1N consists of 5 acres of vines planted on 10’ x 5’ spacings utilizing simple vertical shoot positioning (VSP) for canopy management. It is a prolific growing variety and we strive to keep yields below 4 tons/acre to ensure depth and concentration of flavours. As a variety, it exhibits very deep colour with bright, black berry fruits and considerable tannin. The real trick is to manage those tannins to provide a seamless flow through the palate. The 2019vintage provided the right conditions to meet our expectations. The resulting wine was harvested quite ripe at 26 Brix and the ferment was conducted at a cool 60F. This ensures the more delicate aromas and flavours persist. It only spent 6 months in second use French oak barriques to add supporting texture rather than dominate the wine. Download Tasting Notes