FIRSTS
Rhône Inspiration Winemaker Doug Margerum finds inspiration from France for his M5 wines
By Hana-Lee Sedgwick
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or over 35 years, Doug Margerum has been ingrained in Santa Barbara’s food and wine scene, first as owner of the Wine Cask and now in his ongoing role as owner/winemaker of two wine labels, Margerum Wine Company and Barden, established in 2001 and 2014, respectively. Sourcing grapes from top vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County, as well as from the 18-acre Margerum Estate Vineyard in the Los Olivos District AVA, Margerum crafts limited-production Rhône and Burgundian varietal wines and blends that express the diverse characteristics of the region. Inspired by the Southern Rhône region of France, Margerum launched his flagship M5 series. The 2018 Margerum M5 Red is a blend featuring five leading red grapes of the Rhône 20
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Valley: grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, and counoise. Made predominantly of grenache and syrah, this versatile wine showcases dark fruit and cocoa aromatics, with black fruit, savory herbs, and earthy notes on the palate. Also modeled after the noteworthy blends of the Rhône, the 2018 M5 White consists of five white grapes: grenache blanc, marsanne, roussanne, viognier, and picpoul. Appealing aromas of citrus, white flowers, and pear leap from the glass, while flavors of apple, stone fruit, and wet stone envelop a clean layer of acidity that lingers on the refreshing finish. “My goal has always been for M5 wines to find the right balance of being elegant and complex, yet also bright and approachable enough to enjoy any time,” Margerum said. “To that end, M5 wines have become ‘go-to’ wines,
as they drink well with every occasion and are versatile enough for many types of cuisines.” Though not technically part of the M5 line-up, Margerum’s Riviera Rosé is a natural complement, typically composed of five Rhône grapes. Mimicking the style of rosés found in Provence, this dry and easy-drinking grenache-based wine shines with notes of watermelon, lime, and white nectarine, with a zesty dose of acidity that makes it the perfect accompaniment to sunshine-filled days, with or without food. Margerum calls it “an all-around great wine to reach for, our Riviera Rosé is equally as worthy of being enjoyed beside the pool as it is during an elegant, al fresco luncheon.” Margerum Wine Company’s tasting room is located at 19 E. Mason Street in Santa Barbara. W W W. F O O D – H O M E . C O M