Outward Vaccarese 2023

Crafted by Outward Wines in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, California, this very rare single-variety wine comes from the Old Oak Vineyard—a 21-acre, organic, dry-farmed site on calcareous soils above 1,300 feet elevation. The variety is Vaccarèse (a nearly extinct Rhone grape now planted in only one other North American vineyard). After a 14-day maceration with ~50 % whole-cluster, the wine spent 10 months in neutral French oak barrels before bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes
In the glass: vivid garnet hue. On the nose: candied red fruit, orange peel, peppercorn and pencil lead. The palate offers tart wild cherry and cranberry layered with stem spice, light leather and calcareous minerality. Medium-body, fine tannins, lively acidity and a lingering finish of dried herbs and sweet/savory interplay.

Food Pairing
Ideal alongside a hearty grilled pork loin with rosemary and smoked paprika—the wine’s peppery edge and bright acid highlight the dish’s spice and richness. For a more casual twist: try it with pepper-and-soppressata flatbread—its fruitiness and rustic structure match the char and cured meat beautifully.