Grateful Palate “Southern Belle” Red Blend · Jumilla, Spain · 2022

The Moment

This is the bottle that changes the mood of the room.

Dinner was supposed to be simple.
Then someone pulls the cork, and suddenly the table smells like blackberries, vanilla, warm spice, and just a whisper of bourbon barrel.

That’s the energy of the 2022 Grateful Palate “Southern Belle” — rich, plush, dramatic, and somehow still polished enough to keep pouring.

It’s the kind of red that feels like a little bit of trouble in the best possible way.

What It Feels Like

Southern Belle is one of those wines that could only come from a slightly wild idea that somehow worked beautifully.

Created by Dan Philips of The Grateful Palate, this Syrah + Monastrell blend from Jumilla, Spain spends 6–8 months in used Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels, adding a subtle layer of vanilla, toast, and caramel warmth without turning the wine into a gimmick. Multiple retailers explicitly note that the bourbon influence is there for complexity — not domination.

Underneath the swagger, there’s real wine here: ripe dark fruit, supple texture, and enough structure to keep it grounded.

This is what happens when Spanish sun meets Southern charm.

In the Glass

Aromatics
Blackberry, blueberry, red fruit, vanilla, toffee, and warm oak spice.

Palate
Ripe dark berries layered with soft caramelized oak tones, baking spice, and a subtle savory edge.

Texture
Full-bodied and plush with a soft, generous mouthfeel.

Finish
Long, smooth, and dramatic with lingering ripe fruit and toasted sweetness.

Grateful Palate’s published notes describe it as “soft, big, yet elegant,” with rich full body, density, balance, grip, and a long finish.

Why We Love This Bottle

A Cult Favorite With Personality
Southern Belle has a loyal following for a reason — it’s fun, memorable, and seriously drinkable.

Bourbon Barrel Influence, Done Right
The Pappy barrel aging adds texture and spice, but the wine still tastes like wine.

Built for Big Flavor Nights
This is a perfect “bring this to dinner and watch people ask about it” bottle.

It’s bold. It’s plush. It absolutely knows it’s being looked at.

Pair It With

• Burgers off the grill
• BBQ ribs or brisket
• Steak tacos
• Smoked sausage
• Aged cheddar or Manchego

This is the kind of red that loves char, smoke, salt, and a little indulgence.

Technical Notes

Producer: The Grateful Palate
Wine: Southern Belle Red Blend
Region: Jumilla, Spain
Vintage: 2022

Blend: Syrah + Monastrell (Mourvèdre)

Elevage: 6–8 months in used Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels

Winemaker: Oriol Illa 

Body: Full
Acidity: Moderate / balanced

Flavor Profile
Blackberry · Blueberry · Vanilla · Toffee · Warm Spice

Serving Temperature
60–65°F

Drink Window
Now–2029