"The ultimate 'garage' winery, this operation’s back alley warehouse looks like a set scene from the movie Mad Max, but inside are the elixirs of dreams." - Robert Parker
Manfred Krankl: The Man Behind the Label
Visionary Manfred Krankl is the winemaker and mastermind behind the eye-catching Sine Qua Non label, one of California's most sought-after cult wineries. Known for his boundless creativity and a fearless approach in his craft, Krankl has demonstrated the breadth of possibilities in winemaking by snubbing tradition, choosing to forge his own path instead.
SQN Begnnings: From Altar Boy to Wine Aficionado
Born in Austria, Krankl's passion for wine began at a young age. He grew up in a humble household where his parents drank simple wines, but as an altar boy, he would sneak sips of the higher-quality wine reserved for priests. This early exposure ignited his curiosity and appreciation for fine wine. Later, Krankl fell in love with Italian wines, particularly those from Piedmont, and was greatly influenced by thoughtful traditionalists such as Bruno Giacosa, and a range of iconoclastic producers, such as Angelo Gaja, Elio Altare, and Paolo Scavino. Despite this intense love of Italian styles, it was the Rhône wines of Henri Bonneau and Château Rayas that ultimately captured his heart, becoming a deeply-seated inspiration for what was to come.
The Beginning of SQN: Passion Turned Career
After moving to the US in 1980, Krankl found himself immersed in the world of California's elite winemakers, such as Helen Turley and David Abreu. Their work showcased the immense potential of California's terroir, a concept that was still relatively new at the time. Inspired by his profound love for wine and the transcendent experiences it can provide, Krankl decided to channel his passion into a winemaking project, titled Sine Qua Non, initially viewing it as a mere hobby. With the support of his loving wife Elaine, Krankl first released 1994 "Queen of Spades" Syrah, made from only four and a half barrels, to the public to be met with instant acclaim. Sine Qua Non (or SQN to those in the know) achieved cult status virtually overnight, prompting the Krankls to wholeheartedly embrace their new path in the world of winemaking.
Sine Qua Non Concept: Throwing Out The Rulebook
While most wineries adhere to a strict ethos or set of principles, Krankl's dynamic approach is a refreshing departure from the norm. He embraces a formless, shapeless philosophy, the the-only-rule-is-that-there-are-no-rules mentality. As Krankl himself put it, "we have an aversion to labels and dogmas or mindless rituals that are sometimes called tradition." Despite this unconventional approach, there's no denying that Krankl has a distinctive style.
SQN wines are known for their bold, attention-grabbing qualities, leaping out of the glass and demanding to be noticed. While the specific grape varieties used may vary wildly from year to year, with the introduction of oddities such as Touriga Nacional or Gewurtraminer, Krankl's love for Rhone-style wines shines through with Syrah and Grenache taking turns basking in the spotlight. In many ways, the entire SQN project feels like a fever dream someone had after drinking too much Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a revered style of wine that famously allows for 22 different grape varieties. Krankl takes this world-revered template and turns it on its head, producing delightfully surprising styles and forcing his fans to embrace the unexpected.
Sine Qua Non Label Art: The Art of Reinvention
One of the most captivating aspects of SQN is its constant self-reinvention, a characteristic that extends beyond the wine in the bottle to the vessel itself. Each year's release features entirely unique labels, closures, and bottle shapes, reflecting Krankl's artistic background and adding to the brand's allure. These hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind labels serve as a canvas for original artwork that changes with each vintage, ensuring that no two releases are ever quite the same. The names and themes of these labels are equally fluid, often pushing boundaries and venturing into provocative or risqué territory. Evocative imagery is not an uncommon feature in the artwork, or occasionally the name alone can accomplish just as much, as with the cheekily-titled "Boots, Pasties, Scanty Panties, and A Ten Gallon Hat" Roussanne Trockenbeerenauslese bottling. While some of these labels have to contend with various levels of censorship from government agencies, they never fail to capture the public's attention. Each release is effectively a stand-alone work of art – a sculptural masterpiece that just so happens to contain delicious wine within.
Sine Qua Non Meaning: Absolutely Indispensible
SQN wines are produced in extremely limited quantities with very few releases ever repeated. This scarcity and exclusivity fuel the fervor surrounding these wines, making them some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. The demand for SQN wines is so high that the waiting list for direct allocations stretches beyond a decade, requiring an extraordinary level of patience and dedication from aspiring collectors. This is befitting their namesake as the “Sine Qua Non” name, a Latin phrase directly translating to “without which, nothing,” or more poetically, “absolutely indispensable” -- an essential for any wine enthusiast to experience.
Krankl's unwavering commitment to quality, along with his innovative winemaking techniques, have earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim. The winery's Rhône-style blends, particularly Syrah and Grenache-based wines, are consistently rated among the best in the world. Krankl's success lies in his ability to express the unique terroir of California while pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Rhône varieties.
SQN Collaborations: A Meeting of Minds
As a creative mind, Krankl has relished many opportunities to collaborate with other innovative winemakers over the years, teaming up with international names such as the Maurel brothers of Clos Saint-Jean in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Michael Havens of Havens Cellars in Napa Valley, and John Alban of the more local Alban Vineyards. Perhaps most notably, Krankl teamed up with the late Alois Kracher, fellow Austrian winemaker and sweet wine specialist, to create the "Mr. K" series of dessert wines – a fitting tribute to their shared heritage and passion for pushing boundaries.
Sine Qua Non Wines: The Ultimate Purpose
While Krankl's legacy will always be that of a dreamer and a maverick, he is first and foremost a wine lover looking to spread his passion to others through his work. Krankl's approach to winemaking may not be guided by a conventional ethos, but rather by a heartfelt desire to create "wines that make you smile and happy and appreciate all that is lovely." It is this genuine, unpretentious philosophy that has endeared Sine Qua Non to wine enthusiasts around the world, and will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for those who believe that the ultimate purpose of wine is for the enjoyment and celebration of life.
SQN Wine: Experience Sine Qua Non Wine Today
Explore our Sine Qua Non wine collection today. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these wines promise an unforgettable journey of taste and luxury. Elevate your moments, celebrate with distinction, and make memories that will linger long after the last sip. Unlock the extraordinary – discover Sine Qua Non wine now.
