19 Jul Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Deux Punx 2021 De La Soif L’inattendu Orange Blend, Tehama County, California
There are many common wine blends. For example, Grenache is often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Franc is often blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. But sometimes you come across a wine blend that catches your eye because you have never seen these grapes together. And that is exactly what happened this week as I sipped on the Deux Punx 2021 De La Soif Orange Blend from Tehama County, the Please The Palate wine of the week.
About Deux Punx
Deux Punx, which means “Two Punks” in French, was started by Dan Schaaf and Aaron Olson. Dan, a civil engineer who specializes in water resources, and Aaron, a software engineer, shared two things in common. Aaron, a drummer, and Dan, a skateboarder, are both former punk rockers. And they both shared a love of wine. As former punk rockers, they strive to be different, non-conformist, anti-establishment, and frugal with a do-it-yourself attitude. They started Deux Punx in 2008, buying 1000 pounds of Pinot Noir from Humboldt County and making wine in Dan’s garage. After a decade, Aaron moved to Seattle and sold his share of the business to Kayne Guzowski who is also the co-owner and director of sales for Merchants of Thirst, who distribute Deux Punx.
The punk rock laissez-faire attitude is reflected in how they make their wine. They source from small organic vineyards in Northern California most often based on a handshake. And they make all their wines the same way. They do native fermentations, minimal so2, neutral oak, and ambient temperatures. Their philosophy is to let the raw materials from the vineyards shine, embracing the differences between sites and vintages. And each of the labels is unique, designed by artist friends.
Tasting Notes
De La Soif is a label created by Kayne. The 2021 De La Soif ‘L’inna+endu’ Orange Blend is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 17% Malvasia, 17% Assyrtiko, and 16% Picpoul. A rather odd combination of grapes, Dan explains that they play well together. The grapes come from Tehama County, which is located between Chico and Redding in Northern California. The Chardonnay, which spends time on its skins, is fermented separately. The Malvasia, Assyrtko, and Picpoul are co-fermented on their skins for two weeks. The Chardonnay is then added and then wine is put into a neutral barrel.
The resulting wine is a light amber color and is lightly cloudy in the glass. The nose is fascinating with notes of cantaloupe, apple cider, honey, pineapple, and orange skins. On the palate, there are notes of apricot and blood orange. This wine is high in pH and low in acidity but the wine also has a light tannic structure. The wine has a textured palate with a delicate juiciness.
Food Pairing
I enjoyed this wine with some deliciously creamy Saint Andre triple cream cheese. I loved how the wines freshness and texture played with the creaminess of the cheese. It was a harmonious pairing, and quite decadent.
Where To Purchase
Deux Punx believes wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed and they keep their wine prices low. The Deux Punx 2021 De La Soif L’inattendu Orange Blend, Tehama County, California retails for $26. This wine can be found in small, independent wine shops but can also be purchased on the Deux Punx website.