Kukkula Sisu 2021

Kukkula Sisu 2021

Grit in a Glass – Kukkula’s Classic GSM

Kukkula – Finnish for “the hill” or “high place” – is the family estate of Finnish-American winemaker Kevin Jussila and his wife Paula on the west side of Paso Robles. Their steep, north-facing hillside vineyards in the Adelaida District rise to around 1,500–1,900 feet and are farmed organically and without irrigation, giving Rhône-style wines that balance California ripeness with real freshness. Most of the wines carry Finnish names – a tribute to Kevin’s roots.

Sisu is the Finnish idea of steely determination and grit – a philosophy Kevin says he lives by. The wine is Kukkula’s take on the classic Rhône trio of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, and a perennial favourite among the estate’s reds.

🍷 Tasting Notes

Dark plum, blackberry and black cherry with smoky, spicy notes, a touch of cinnamon and roasted coffee, firm tannins and a long, spicy finish. Five years on, the 2021 has found its balance: the tannins have softened and fruit and oak have knitted together. Drinking beautifully now, with further cellaring potential.

🍽️ Food Pairing

Grilled lamb, braised beef, game, venison sausage, smoked meats and hard aged cheeses.

📋 Details

• Producer: Kukkula, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California
• Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (blend varies by vintage)
• Vintage: 2021
• Alcohol: 15 %
• Serve at: 16–18 °C