Cocktail Corner: Value Blends from Qupé

Louisa Sawyer Lindquist and Bob Lindquist. Photo by Derek Johnson

Louisa Sawyer Lindquist and Bob Lindquist. Photo by Derek Johnson

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

We’ve longtime fans of Qupé wines at my house, so I was excited to hear that winemaker Bob Lindquist had a new duo of value blends available and couldn’t wait to try them. Thankfully, they didn’t disappoint. Both wines retail for about $16.

Drawing inspiration from the elegant wines of France’s Rhône Valley,  crossed with an approachable California touch, both the “modern red” and “modern white” pair well with a wide variety of foods. Here are the tasting notes:

Qupé 2013 A Modern Red – “For lovers of Pinot, looking for ‘a bit more,’ A Modern Red offers delicate Pinot-like flavors, but with added complexity and spice. Not all red wines play well with a broad range of food, but whether it’s steak, chicken, or a Sunday afternoon burger, A Modern Red complements them all.”

Qupé 2014 A Modern White – “Call this blend a modern wine for the modern drinkers. Taking the best of California Chardonnay and integrating the aromatic notes and freshness of France’s Rhone Valley, this wine is easily paired with a variety of lighter dishes, serves as an easy sipper for an evening in with takeout, or a quality, value wine to bring to a casual dinner party.”

Qupe Value Blends, courtesy photo

Qupe Value Blends, courtesy photo

Started in 1982, Qupé (kyoo-PAY) spans multiple vineyards across California’s Central Coast. Bob Lindquist, founder, winemaker and partner is considered to be an original “Rhône Ranger,” and was one of the first to advocate for American-made Syrah and other Rhône varietals such as Grenache, Roussanne and Marsanne. Qupé is celebrated as California’s preeminent producer of cool-climate Syrah and Rhône varietals. Qupé produces four tiers of wines: Single Vineyard/Estate, Reserve, Core and Blends. In 2013, noted wine investor, Charles Banks, purchased a controlling interest in Qupé, adding the brand to his Terroir Selections portfolio.  Cheers!

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Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 6, 2015.