At a glance

Producer

Ochota Barrels

Region

Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Grape variety

Grenache

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Bright red cherries, raspberries, subtle pepper, floral and spicy notes.

Evolution: Develops complex herbaceous, earthy nuances and integrated oak spice with age.

At peak: Rich layered red fruit, balanced spice, silky texture with lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, lively

Tannins

Medium, polished

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5-14.0%

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2033

Optimal window

2025 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Youthful with primary fruit forward character and moderate tannin grip

Grenache from Santa Barbara with moderate tannin and lively acidity, balanced fruit and structure allows a 10-15 year window. Early drinkability but complexity and depth develop around 5+ years post vintage, peaking near 7-12 years.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, herb-roasted chicken, Mediterranean dishes with rosemary and garlic, soft cheeses like Manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften youthful tannins and open aromatic expression.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Uses dry farming, minimal irrigation, solar energy on-site, lightweight bottles.

Ochota Barrels focuses on environmentally conscious farming with dry farming techniques that conserve water. Solar power utilization reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Packaging is lightweight but not fully recycled. No formal organic or biodynamic certifications yet, but sustainability is integrated into daily vineyard and winery operations.