Lydian GSM '19

Avennia was founded in 2010 as a partnership between Marty and Colleen Taucher, Lauren Smith, and Chris Peterson. Marty and Chris had worked together at DeLille Cellars and began to imagine what their own winery in Washington could be like. In 2010 they produced their first wines from 16 tons of fruit. With a focus on showcasing Washington as a unique and compelling place for great wines, Avennia has made it a priority is to acquire fruit from some of the finest vineyards in Washington, in AVAs including Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain. They’ve also chosen to focus on the grape varieties used in Bordeaux and the Rhône, as Washington lies at a latitude similar to that of those regions.

Winemaking at Avennia is based on doing less in order to let the fruit speak for itself. Native yeast is used to ferment the wines, and they’re bottle unfined to preserve their complexity.

Avennia’s “Lydian” line is a second label from the producer, established with the goal of crafting delicious wines that are a pleasure to drink without breaking the bank. The 2019 GSM is a blend of a blend of 48% Grenache, 39% Mourvèdre, and 13% Syrah, aged in neutral French oak for 14 months. The aromas are dominated by notes of blue fruit, smoked meat, mineral, and spice, while the palate is structured by soft, plush tannins. Bright and versatile, the wine is medium to full bodied, with a long finish. Try this with roasted chicken, red meats, or any dishes featuring savory Mediterranean herbs.