Winemakers in California and France have a history of fiery competition, but according to a recent article in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, a few vignerons are choosing trans-Atlantic team-up over face-off.

One such example of this emerging trend is Detente and Deux Terres. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen of Wine Enthusiast Magazine write;

“Husband-and-wife team Joey and Jennifer Tensley of Santa Barbara County already produce two wines under private labels—Tensley, made by Joey, and Lea, made by Jennifer—but they recently added two trans-Atlantic bottlings. For Détente (French for relaxation and good relations), Joey worked with Owner and Winemaker Cécile Dusserre of Domaine de Montvac to create a Rhône-style blend using 50% Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah and 50% Domaine de Montvac Grenache from 80-year-old vines.”

For a little taste of the french countryside right here in Paso Robles, try Hearthstone’s 2009 Pearl white Rhone wine.

A blend of 58% Roussane and 42% Viognier, the voluptuous Pearl gives off aromas of white peach, honey, and tropical fruits such as mango, followed by a smooth, round finish on the palate. Exhibiting a nice balance of fruit and acid, pair our Pearl with exotic cuisine such as Thai dishes, seafood and poultry, or use as an aperitif wine with appetizers.