2018 Elementus Dunnigan Hills, California 'C Factor' Petite Sirah

The Burgundy appellation of France, for example, was covered by an emerald lagoon some 250 million years ago. That’s what accounts for the marine marl and limestone deposits in the subsoil, leading to the unique minerality found in the region’s wines.

Another example: In the Dunnigan Hills area of California, 30 miles northwest of the capital city of Sacramento, the undulating geography can be traced to the region being located on a fault. It’s a special place for growing grapes — with a hot, Mediterranean-style climate — and the farmers have worked hard to fight and hold back the installation of hundreds of wind turbines and an 8,000-home development.

That’s why we are able to enjoy wines like the 2018 Elementus “C Factor” Petite Sirah. With its luscious blueberry notes and bright mid-palate acidity, it’s a unique wine that begs for all-things-barbecue.