Grateful Palate Southern Gothic Southern Belle Red Blend

Medium deep opaque purple color with dark red rim. Initial aromas redolent of blackberry and blueberry with underlying hints of red fruits give way to pleasing complex elements of vanilla and toffee. Soft, big, yet elegant mouth feel, rich, full body, density, superb balance and grip, lead to long, long finish, carrying intense ripe fruit and complex flavors. Soft, supple, dramatic, sexy wine with a compelling yummy factor that screams “drink me.”

Blend: Syrah and Mourvedre
Region: Jumilla, Spain
Artist: James Jean
Designer: Mr.Keedy and Basora
Winemaker: Oriol Illa

James Jean
“Southern Belle” was created to resemble fine china. One tradition of Southern Gothic literature is to subvert traditional stereotypes of the antebellum period. The element of hypocrisy plays a huge role in these characters. I also have an interest in exploring gender issues, though subtly, in much of my work. The first bottle is the “promiscuous belle” wielding her deadly charms on her suitors, the second bottle is the “mourning belle” with all the skeletons of the past emerging from under her dress, and the last bottle is the “homemaker”, who tries to contain and control appearances on the estate as if it were a doll house.