Launching our new Wine Collection next week!
La Marea means ‘the tide’ and Ian and Heather Brands’ La Marea label is a meditation on change and constancy, the pendular swings of culture and winemaking styles, the constancy of the ocean and the tide, the slow tectonic shift that raised the seafloor and brought plows to that earth and grapes from the other side of the world. As Monterey was once the capital of Alta California, and the bright California sun has much more in common with the Iberian peninsula than continental Europe, La Marea focuses on grapes of Spanish origin in the salty, rocky greater Monterey Bay region.
Ian and Heather Brand began their family winery with pennies and a dream in 2007 while working in the cellars, vineyards and management of other wineries. In 2008, they moved to Salinas in Monterey County so Ian could focus on the winery while consulting, hustling and doing whatever work came his way. In 2010 they leased out half of an existing winery. In 2013 they built out their own production space in the industrial district of Salinas. They’ve expanded the space twice since then. Along the way, they’ve uncovered potential in regions and vineyards largely forgotten by the greater wine industry, grown fruitful relationships with local growers (while working tirelessly to promote low input and organic viticulture), and developed a winemaking style suited to the rocky, windswept Monterey Coast. In 2018, Ian was named the San Francisco Chronicle Winemaker of the Year.
WINES
ALBARIÑO KRISTY VINEYARD
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Sustainable. The Kristy Vineyard grows on the western bench over the Salinas River on the broken sediment of ancient sea beds where it is exposed to the consistent cooling winds off the Monterey Bay. Kristy is a special because Albariño in the vineyard reaches full phenological ripeness at low potential alcohol and bright natural acidity later in the season. Usually picked between 20-22 Brix with a sub 3 PH and nearly 9 g/L TA. Whole cluster pressed and cold fermented to preserve aromatics and freshness. Secondary fermentation is arrested.
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CHALONE GRENACHE BROSSEAU VINEYARD
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Organic. The Brosseau Vineyard is located on the famed Chalone Bench in Monterey County, where the granite of the Gabilan Mountains mixed with the remnants of an old volcano and a large limestone deposit. Planted around 2009, this small block will be one of our most exciting sources to watch. Fermented with 50% whole cluster and native yeasts. Aged 11 months on lees in used puncheons and one once-used barrique. 124 cases made.
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