February 14th - This Date in Wine History

/
ValentineQ.png

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • Happy Valentine’s Day.  St. Valentine has no reference to wine history, but sweethearts often toast their love with wine or Champagne!  Cheers!

  • Oregon was admitted to the Union in 1859.  It is home to the Applegate Valley, Chahalem Mountains, Columbia Gorge, Columbia Valley, Dundee Hills, Elkton Oregon, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Red Hills Douglas County Oregon,  Ribbon Ridge, The Rocks of Milton-Freewater, Rogue Valley,  Snake River Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, Walla Walla, Willamette Valley and Yamhill-Carlton

  • Arizona was admitted to the union in 1912.  It is home to the Sonoita and Willcox viticultural areas.

  • Drew Bledsoe was born in 1972.  He is owner of Doubleback Wines in Walla Walla Washington.

  • New Mexico's Mesilla Valley AVA was designated in 1985

  • The Côte Roannaise AOC was named in 1994

  • The Bulgarian’s celebrate Trifon Zarezan (Vineyard Day).  It is an ancient custom that was Christianized but previously offered to Sabazius, Dionysius, Bromius, Bacchus and Lycurgus.  The vines are trimmed, watered with wine and thrown into the River.  Later a meal of chicken (specifically a hen) stuffed with rice or bulgar is served.

  • The French have a saying, « Vigneron à la Saint-Valentin, doit avoir serpette en main. » which translates to "Winemakers on Valentine's Day, must have a serpette in hand.” (a serpette is an agricultural knife) 

December 14th - This Date in Wine History

/
Gilbert_Stuart_Williamstown_Portrait_of_George_Washington.jpg

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • George Washington died in 1799.  He was a member of the Virginia’s House of Burgesses from 1758-1765.  He plied the voters with 170 gallons of rice punch, beer, wine, hard cider and brandy.

  • Pierre-Cécile Puvis de Chavannes the French painter was born in 1824.  He is known for his work, The Wine Press.

  • ‘I heard it Through the Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye was #1 on the charts in 1968.

  • Spain's Conca de Barberá DO was created in 1989.

  • Chile's Declaration of Appellations was approved in 1994.

  • Oregon's Applegate Valley AVA was designated in 2000.

December 14th - This Date in Wine History

/
Pierre_Puvis_de_Chavannes_-_The_Wine_Press_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • George Washington died in 1799.  He was a member of the Virginia’s House of Burgesses from 1758-1765.  He plied the voters with 170 gallons of rice punch, beer, wine, hard cider and brandy.
  • Pierre-Cécile Puvis de Chavannes the French painter was born in 1824.  He is known for his work, The Wine Press.
  • ‘I heard it Through the Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye was #1 on the charts in 1968.
  • Spain's Conca de Barberá DO was created in 1989.
  • Chile's Declaration of Appellations was approved in 1994.
  • Oregon's Applegate Valley AVA was designated in 2000.

 

Applegate Valley - Wine Region of the Day

/
Applegate Valley

Located entirely within the Southern Oregon and Rogue Valley viticultural areas, Applegate Valley is defined by its terroir.  Located in south eastern Oregon the appellation is located in the valley surrounding the Applegate River from its intersection with the Siskiyou National Forest boundary to it’s confluence with the Rogue River.  Within the Rogue Valley viticultural area, Applegate Valley is located in between the Illinois and Bear Creek Valleys. 

The mountains that act as it’s southern and western boundary were caused by crustal upthrusts of the seafloor instead of being volcanic like those to the east.  The soils are blends of granite which hold heat to extend the growing season and spread through the area into alluvial fans and terraces that are prominent growing areas or wine grapes. The climate is overwhelmingly mild with an annual average temperature of 48º F with averages in January of 31.5º F and August of 66.4º F.  Precipitation varies from 27-33 inches per year comes primarily during the cool season giving the moisture time to permeate into the soils.

Settlement in the region began in the 1850s and was named after the Applegate Brothers who first settled the area.  Viticulture began in 1852 when Peter Britt opened the Valley View Winery which operated until 1907.   After Prohibition the winery didn’t open until 1976 being the first winery producing from grapes in both the Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley.

The Region produces a wide variety of grapes including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah Tannat, Vermentino and Zinfandel.

2015 Troon Red Label Zinfandel, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/
2015 Troon Red Label Zinfandel, Applegate Valley

2015 Troon Red Label Zinfandel, Applegate Valley

$20.00

This zinfandel will remind you more of a Côtes du Rhône than a California Zinfandel. Bright, fresh and alive this is comfort wine for comfort food. Perfect for pizza, burgers and stews this wine is all about pleasure now, while substantial enough to keep around a year or two.

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/
2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

$29

A creative co-ferment of grapes native to the South of France:Marsanne 43.81%, Viognier 27.35%, Vermentino 12.65%, Riesling 8.79%, Roussanne 5.0%, Sauvignon  Blanc 2.4%; farmed to savor the natural attributes of granitic soils, washed down the mountains covered in Madrone, Oak and Ponderosa pine.  Full bodied and exotic, this is a substantial wine, but it’s still balanced with the bracing acidity you would expect from Oregon. The aromas and flavors are laced with hints of honeysuckle and ripe peaches.  An ideal match for roast chicken, veal and cheeses.  For those that love the exotic, lush and complex white blend of the southern Rhône Valley will adore Longue Carabine.

2014 Troon Blue Label Estate Zinfandel, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/
2014 Troon Blue Label Estate Zinfandel, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Blue Label Estate Zinfandel, Applegate Valley

$29

In 2014 a small percentage of Tempranillo (about 1%) was picked the same day as the zinfandel, and layered into each fermenter. All the grapes are treaded before de­-stemming, to help the wild yeast get a good start in fermentation, and to have a more gentle, fuller extraction of the natural grapes tannins at the start of ferment.  This is a deeper, darker zinfandel from a special block of vines just behind the winery.

The deeper, fuller aromas and textures come from the Tempranillo co-­fermented with the Zinfandel. Medium ruby color with warm and friendly aromas, like a ripe peach on a barbeque grill, with an evanescent and lifting scent of huckleberries on a hot summer day. Lush and rounded tannins, generously carrying ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors into a long,evolved finish. This is classic, brambly, full-flavored zinfandel balanced by a touch of fresh Oregon acidity. The ultimate match for your biggest, baddest steak on the grill. It’s so easy to drink this wine.

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/
2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley

$29

What a difference, keeping part of the 2014 Vermentino in barrels for a year. Aromas of wild cherry and blood orange, lightly pan roasted hazelnuts, gingersnaps and lemon blossoms. With deeper flavors of  marzipan, lemon tart and almond croissant. Bright and beautiful freshness of acidity, and finishing with a classic ripe apricot fatness stretching out the finish for hours and hours. One of the finest white wines ever produced at Troon Vineyard and on par with the finest vermentinos made anywhere in the world.

Rich and full on the palate, while still maintaining bright, refreshing acidity. The aromas and flavors flirt with hazelnuts and crisp fresh of the tree pears. The finish is long and complex. A perfect match for seafood and light pasta dishes.

2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/
2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley

$50

It is stunning that a wine can be concentrated, yet light on its feet. Applegate Valley Syrah reminds of the wines of the northern Rhône in the way in blends power and elegance. Floral and spiced on the the nose with tart black pepper aromatics and butcher shop flavors. While this wine can be cellared for a decade it is enticing enough to drink tonight. Perfect with prime rib or grilled pork chops.

2015 Troon Red Label Zinfandel, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/

2015 Troon Red Label Zinfandel, Applegate Valley

$20

This zinfandel will remind you more of a Côtes du Rhône than a California Zinfandel. Bright, fresh and alive this is comfort wine for comfort food. Perfect for pizza, burgers and stews this wine is all about pleasure now, while substantial enough to keep around a year or two.

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

$29

A creative co-ferment of grapes native to the South of France: Marsanne 43.81%, Viognier 27.35%, Vermentino 12.65%, Riesling 8.79%, Roussanne 5.0%, Sauvignon Blanc 2.4%; farmed to savor the natural attributes of granitic soils, washed down the mountains covered in Madrone, Oak and Ponderosa pine.  Full bodied and exotic, this is a substantial wine, but it’s still balanced with the bracing acidity you would expect from Oregon. The aromas and flavors are laced with hints of honeysuckle and ripe peaches.  An ideal match for roast chicken, veal and cheeses.  For those that love the exotic, lush and complex white blend of the southern Rhône Valley will adore Longue Carabine.

2014 Troon Blue Label Estate Zinfandel, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/

 2014 Troon Blue Label Estate Zinfandel, Applegate Valley

$29

A deeper, darker zinfandel from a special block of vines just behind the winery, this is classic, brambly, full-flavored zinfandel balanced by a touch of fresh Oregon acidity. The ultimate match for your biggest, baddest steak on the grill. 

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley

$29

What a difference, keeping part of the 2014 Vermentino in barrels for a year. Aromas of wild cherry and blood orange, lightly pan roasted hazelnuts, gingersnaps and lemon blossoms. With deeper flavors of  marzipan, lemon tart and almond croissant. Bright and beautiful freshness of acidity, and finishing with a classic ripe apricot fatness stretching out the finish for hours and hours. One of the finest white wines ever produced at Troon Vineyard and on par with the finest vermentinos made anywhere in the world.

Rich and full on the palate, while still maintaining bright, refreshing acidity. The aromas and flavors flirt with hazelnuts and crisp fresh of the tree pears. The finish is long and complex. A perfect match for seafood and light pasta dishes.

2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

/

2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley

$50

It is stunning that a wine can be concentrated, yet light on its feet. Applegate Valley Syrah reminds of the wines of the northern Rhône in the way in blends power and elegance. Floral and spiced on the the nose with tart black pepper aromatics and butcher shop flavors. While this wine can be cellared for a decade it is enticing enough to drink tonight. Perfect with prime rib or grilled pork chops.