A Taste of Paso Robles at Pulchella

 Paso Robles is quickly becoming known for its climate diversity and the ripe, balanced grapes produced by a growing number of subappellations within the area.  Gaining notoriety as an up-and-coming all-star wine region, the fruits of Paso are closer than you think.
In the latest issue of Wine Enthusiast, the go-to publication for all things wine, Santa Clarita’s own Pulchella Winery was recognized for their excellent wines sourced from Paso Robles.  Though Pulchella’s wine is produced in Santa Clarita and poured at their Downtown Newhall tasting room, the grapes come from a subappellation in Paso Robles.
Pulchella produces wines from all the subappellatins in Paso Roles, giving wine members a diverse selection of flavors and aromas to choose from each year.  Receiving particular recognition, the El Pomar District subappellation is known for the sandstone, loam and clay terraces that lend beautiful flavors to Pulcella’s 2013 Red, White & Blue blend, which won 91 points in the magazine.  A field blend of 56% Zinfandel, 41% Alicante Bouchet, 2% Burger and 1% Orange Muscat, this flavorful wine shows smoked pine wood, plum, incense, sandalwood and sour red-fruit aromas; flavors of cedar mix with smoked black cherries and mulberries for a lovely finish, according to Wine Enthusiast.
“With powerful yet balanced ripeness, tradition-bucking blends and a proud Wild West attitude, Paso Robles is one of the nation’s — and some would argue, world’s — most innovative wine regions,” reads Wine Enthusiast.  “Nearly every grape on the planet can find a happy home in its micro-climates … and the new subappellations, granted after seven years of strategic, collaborative planning, are just now starting to show up on labels.”
In addition to having an excellent source, Pulchella wines are on the forefront of wine production, sticking to small-batch, boutique-style wines and innovation driven by passion.
“We pride ourselves in keeping the quantities we produce smaller,” said Steve Lemley, one of two owners.  “The smaller we keep it, the more energy, focus and passion we can put into every single barrel. It’s not a process for us; it’s a passion.”
After producing wines separately over a decade, owners Nate Hasper and Steve Lemley joined forces.  Together, they share an intense and raw passion for uncompressed winemaking – which often leads them to throwing the rulebook right out the window.  They opened the Pulchella Winery Tasting Room along Main Street in the heart of Downtown Newhall, and just two years later, the production facility followed suit, moving from Paso Robles to the Santa Clarita Valley.
“We are very humbled and appreciative of the local support we receive from Santa Clarita residents,” Steve said.
Pulchella Winery is located at 24261 Main Street in Downtown Newhall. Call 661-799-WINE for more information, or visit www.pulchellawinery.com.