Fiddletown - Wine Region of the Day

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FIDDLETOWN

Photo of Fiddletown Wine Region by David Toomey for Qorkz

Fiddletown received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 12,044 acres, Fiddletown is a sub-appellation of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA and is located in Amador County. The terrain of Fiddletown is hilly with most vines situated between 1,500 and 2,500 feet above sea level. The soils are made up of decomposed granite and volcanic material, are well draining and not nutrient dense; leading to smaller yields in production, forcing the vines to put all their efforts into the fruit, developing deep rich flavors. Fiddletown doesn't receive the benefit of cooling Pacific Ocean breezes like many of its neighbors, but its high elevation results in a cooling effect in the evening to combat the dry, hot daily temperatures. This cooling results in a longer growing period and allows for the fruit to stay on the vine longer and develop the balance in sugar and acidity. The region is known for its old vine Zinfandel but also produces Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Barbera.

2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Rogues Blend - Wine of the Day

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2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Rogues Blend

$29

A proprietary red blend that marries three primary varietals native to the Rhone Valley of France: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (GSM). This classic-style blend resembles the Southern Rhone Chateauneuf du Papes blends in which the spice of the Grenache, lavender fragrance and perfumed berries of the Mourvedre and the dense, tannic fruit of the Syrah are united in a way that creates an earthy, yet explosive combination of flavors suitable for pairing with a wide variety of savory dishes or by itself.

2013 Ascension Cellars Trinity GSM Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre - Wine of the Day

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2013 Ascension Cellars Trinity GSM Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre

$56

Our vibrant, ruby red gemstone wine is a beautifully bodied southern Rhône-style Grenache blend. Roses, red strawberries and bing cherries encompass the classic elements and style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, swirling with sour jamminess and spontaneous bursts of rose water, crushed blood red oranges and white pepper on the finish.  

Trinity GSM is an enjoyable companion for medium bodied cheeses but our wine is invariably invited to stay for dinner with entrees of salmon, duck, pheasant, goose, pork, turkey and pasta.

2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache/Syrah

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$ 28.00

This production was harvested by hand in the fall of 2012: 65/100 Kiler Canyon syrah was harvested in September and 35/100 Staar Ranch grenache was harvested in early October. It was then aged 24 months in new French oak barrels.

VINEYARD NOTES

Kiler Canyon is home to some of the best syrah in the county; it shares a fence line with Terry Hoag Cellars a well-established winery and a big syrah house as well. Conditions were ideal! A mild leaf thinning had to be done in August to get full sun exposure and good ventilation against potential mildew.

WINEMAKING NOTES

The syrah was pungeon fermented; we removed the head of 2 Cadus Medium toast pungeons and introduced the freshly crush fruit. Punch down was done twice a day by hand, the 2 wines were made separately then blended together and aged for another 6 months in a brand new pungeons.

TASTING NOTES

Impressive coffee bean scent when you open the bottle, follow by toasted bread and nutty aromas. The mouthfeel is soft and velvety, but the tannins are strong. Thanks to the syrah, a long acidity from the grenache makes the finish linger. A solid red with at least a 10 year aging potential.LIMITED PRODUCTION 186 CASES

This wine can only be shipped to:

Arkansas, California