On a quest rooted in reverence and awe, Ashley Heisey is making the ultimate expression of Syrah.  Her personal brand, Marelle, was founded as a creative and sustainable outlet for Ashley’s passion for Syrah.  Marelle wines honor the Northern Rhône tradition and California terroir by expressing true Syrah character coupled with ample texture, structure and length.

Of all places, it started among tiny terraced Côte Rôtie vines. In awe of their sun-harvesting power, Ashley knew right away that many California sites would be too hot or too fertile for refined Syrah.  The precipitous slopes of Côte Rôtie offer grapevines just enough rocky soil and just enough annual roasting to produce a bit of Syrah that expresses exquisite, aromatic complexity with layers of white pepper, earthiness and ripe black fruits.  Côte Rôtie was an inspiring place from which to start!

From the top of Hermitage hill, Ashley recognized the relevance of sweet spots within a winegrowing area.  There, the granitic subsoil and southern exposure enhance heat retention and thus ripening.  It’s no secret or surprise that the warmest parts of Hermitage produce the most magical wines.  It was becoming clear to her that Syrah likes a place that is neither too cool nor too warm.  

The quest continued in Northern California as Ashley sought out hillside vineyards in cooler places.  Hillside, since Syrah likes well-drained, low fertility soils.  Cooler places, because true Syrah character can otherwise burn off.  After extensive investigation, she chose Coombsville (east hills above Napa) and Annapolis (just off the ocean, Sonoma Coast) for the planting of vines for Marelle.

In order to coax sophisticated mouthfeel out of Syrah, Ashley applies her understanding of ripe Cabernet tannins gleaned from 15 years of first growth winemaking at Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Far Niente.  Before launching Marelle in 2001, Ashley was winemaker for Far Niente and Dolce.

Most of Ashley’s winegrowing point of view developed in the field, but her education started at UC-Davis (M.S. Enology 1991). This foundation keeps her out of technical trouble.  In addition to working Old World crush internships in Assmannshausen (Germany) and Barsac (Bordeaux), Ashley has traveled to the southern hemisphere for supplemental harvests.

To pique her interest and hone her skills, Ashley makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Chardonnay for Long Meadow Ranch, Oakville Ranch and Tres Sabores.   When she’s not hiking around vineyards, Ashley enjoys cycling, swimming and wine collecting.  She lives in the Napa Valley with her winegrowing husband, Alan Tenscher, and two year old son.