September 15th - This Date in Wine History

/
800px-Wine_of_Youth.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.

  • The movie, Wine of Youth was released in 1924.
  • Sherry, by The Four Seasons hits number one in the US.
  • It is International Grenache Day.
  • Happy California Wine Month!
  • The French have a saying, “La rosée de Saint-Albin est, dit-on, rosée de vin.” or The dew of St. Albin is, it is said dewy with wine.

Fiddletown - Wine Region of the Day

/
Fiddletown

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.

San Miguel District - Wine Region of the Day

/
San Miguel District

The San Miguel AVA is located in the north central portion of the original Paso Robles appellation and is named for the Mission San Miguel Arcángel, the Franciscan Mission created in the late 1700s.  Marine influence is not much of a factor in the San Miguel appellation.  Precipitation is relatively sparse due to the region being located in the rain shadow of the the Santa Lucia mountain range.  It receives 11.4 inches of precipitation per year.  The area is also warmer than many of the Paso Robles sub-appellations and averages 3,300-3,400 Growing Degree Days.  This makes San Miguel the third warmest area in the region.  The elevations in the region range from 580 to 1,600 feet above sea level and is crossed by both the Estrella and the Salinas River.  The geology at some of the higher elevations are characterized by granites and Monterey Shale which are then eroded into alluvial soils which are deep in the benches, terraces and floodplains.  Grapes being produced in the region include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache Syrah - Wine of the Day

/
2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache Syrah

2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache Syrah

$28

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.

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.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

/
San Antonio Valley

The San Antonio Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. The San Antonio Valley is located in Monterey County and is bordered to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Unlike many of the wine regions in the United States, there is a long history of viticulture in the San Antonio Valley.   It was home to the Mission San Antonio de Padua that was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra.  Franciscan Missions in Alta California could not rely on supplies from Spain and were required to be self-sufficient.  This meant making flour for bread and grapes for wine.  The Mission is still in operation as a parish church and visitors can see the original wine pressing vats and wine cellar.

The valley is located in the southern part of Monterey County and is located between the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Salinas Valley and includes San Antonio Lake and Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation.  The terrain contains gently rolling hills which form a basin or bowl shape.

The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean.  The region averages approximately 3,000 GDD on the Winkler Index indicating that it is the prime climate for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.  The cool marine air that is so common for Monterey County is mostly absent. The region tends to be hotter and drier during the growing season but cooler during the spring and autumn.

Soil composition is also unique in San Antonio Valley.  Nearby Hames Valley is primarily composed of soils from the Lockwood series that are alluvial fans and terraces of siliceous shale.  San Antonio Valley has a more varied soil profile with 40 different types being represented.  The soil is primarily gravelly loam and clay that are mostly alluvial but with more gravel, sand and clays in the mix.

The region is known for its production of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals but is becoming home to Spanish and Portuguese grapes as well.  You can find Albarino, Barbera, Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Dolcetto,  Grenache,  Malbec,  Marsanne,  Merlot,  Mourvedre,  Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, Primativo, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel being produced in San Antonio Valley.

Clements Hills - Wine Region of the Day

/
Clements Hills

Clements Hills received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated on 85,400 acres, Clements Hills is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA in the southeast portion located in San Joaquin County.  It is nearly 40 miles from Sacramento and more than 10 from the city of Lodi.  The viticultural area is located in the northeastern portion of San Joaquin county south of the Borden Ranch appellation.  Nestled between the Calavaras River to the south, Liberty Road to the north, the eastern boundary of San Joaquin County and Elliott and Jack Tone Roads to the west, the region is a transition from the valleys to the west and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It is centered around the town of Clements which was settled in 1857 by Thomas Clements.  Clements later donated 25 acres to establish the town as a railroad stop on the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad which was ideal for the agricultural community that was growing.  The name Clements Hills has been in use since that time.

The soils in the appellation are varied but are alike in that they have low fertility and are a mixture of clays and loams.  The presence of the clays are sufficient to hold moisture in the soil. The region features an alluvial topsoil with varying lower levels comprised of granite and volcanic soils.

The climate is hot and muggy but gets some relief from coastal breezes that make their way through the hills. The climate of the area is generally warmer and wetter than the average in the Lodi region.  The increase in elevation to the east creates more precipitation and air drainage that moves away morning fogs and frost that would be caused by cool Pacific air coming up the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta.  The lack of fog also leads to more hours of sunshine to help the grapes achieve their maximum flavor.

This climate makes the region perfect for growing Italian and Spanish grape varieties such as Albarino, Grenache, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.

North Yuba - Wine Region of the Day

/
North Yuba

North Yuba received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated on 22,548 acres, North Yuba is a sub-appellation of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA and is located in Yuba County. The vineyards in North Yuba typically sit at an elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The soil is largely volcanic in nature and well draining, forcing the vines to develop deep, sturdy roots. The vines typically produce a low yield of grapes, but the grapes produced are smaller in size with a more concentrated flavor. North Yuba is bathed in sunlight during the day, and the region is hot and dry in the daytime during the peak of the growing season. The nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a cooling effect in the evening and can drop the evening temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. This diurnal temperature swing creates a longer growing season and allows the vines to produce grapes with balanced acidity. North Yuba is known for its old vine Zinfandel but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne.

Ballard Canyon - Wine Region of the Day

/
Ballard Canyon

Ballard Canyon received its designation as an AVA in 2013. Situated on 7,800 acres, Ballard Canyon is a sub-appellation of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and is centered around the Santa Ynez Valley. The soils in the Ballard Canyon are made up of sand and clay loam with good drainage. Cool ocean breezes flow into the Santa Ynez Valley from the Pacific Ocean via a gap between the Santa Rita hills, but the hills surrounding Ballard Canyon protects the vineyards here from the harshness of the winds. Ballard Canyon has more gentle weather patterns than the windy, cool-climate in its neighboring Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Ballard Canyon is known for its production of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Roussanne.

Cienega Valley - Wine Region of the Day

/
Cienega Valley

The Cienega Valley in San Benito County, California received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Located at an elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level, the soil of the region is divided by the San Andreas fault. Soil to the east of the fault consists of granite and sandstone, but to the west, the soil consists of granite and limestone. The Cienega Valley has warm, sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop bright flavors and even tannins while retaining acidity levels. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Howell Mountain - Wine of the Day

/
Howell Mountain

Howell Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Howell Mountain is located on 14,000 acres in the Vaca Range on the northeast side of Napa Valley. Most vineyards on the Howell Mountain are planted between 1,400 feet and 2,200 feet placing them above the fog and cool winds from San Pablo Bay. The soil in the appellation is volcanic with good drainage, causing the vines to struggle and place all of their efforts into the fruit. The region is known for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

Clements Hills - Wine Region of the Day

/

Clements Hills received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated on 85,400 acres, Clements Hills is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA in the southeast portion located in San Joaquin County.  It is nearly 40 miles from Sacramento and more than 10 from the city of Lodi.  The viticultural area is located in the northeastern portion of San Joaquin county south of the Borden Ranch appellation.  Nestled between the Calavaras River to the south, Liberty Road to the north, the eastern boundary of San Joaquin County and Elliott and Jack Tone Roads to the west, the region is a transition from the valleys to the west and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It is centered around the town of Clements which was settled in 1857 by Thomas Clements.  Clements later donated 25 acres to establish the town as a railroad stop on the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad which was ideal for the agricultural community that was growing.  The name Clements Hills has been in use since that time.

The soils in the appellation are varied but are alike in that they have low fertility and are a mixture of clays and loams.  The presence of the clays are sufficient to hold moisture in the soil. The region features an alluvial topsoil with varying lower levels comprised of granite and volcanic soils. 

The climate is hot and muggy but gets some relief from coastal breezes that make their way through the hills. The climate of the area is generally warmer and wetter than the average in the Lodi region.  The increase in elevation to the east creates more precipitation and air drainage that moves away morning fogs and frost that would be caused by cool Pacific air coming up the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta.  The lack of fog also leads to more hours of sunshine to help the grapes achieve their maximum flavor.

This climate makes the region perfect for growing Italian and Spanish grape varieties such as Albarino, Grenache, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Grenache.

2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Rogues Blend - Wine of the Day

/

 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.

The grapes in this wine all come from the Wild Diamond Vineyard in southern Lake County. At an elevation of 2,200 ft., this vineyard sits high above the fog line, with 5 – 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and then cooled by Pacific breezes at night coming across the Mendocino wind gap. Its red loamy soil is the result of ancient pre-civilization floods and contains rich nutrients that contribute to the density, acidity and color of these grapes.

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

/

 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.

San Francisco Bay - Wine Region of the Day

/

The San Francisco Bay received its AVA designation in 1999. Sitting on over 1,566,713 acres, San Francisco Bay is a large AVA containing the sub-appellations of Livermore Valley, Pacheco Pass, San Ysidro District, and Santa Clara Valley. A small number of wineries are located in and around the San Francisco Bay, including on Treasure Island and the Former Alameda Naval Air Station. Due to its size, there are multiple temperature zones contained within the AVA, ranging from cold, windy, and foggy, to hot and sunny. The region is known for producing Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

El Pomar District - Wine Region of the Day

/

Another of the Paso Robles sub-appellations, the El Pomar is located in the center part of its parent.  The name, "El Pomar" means "The Orchard" and is a reference to the orchards that were initially planted in the area when it was settled in the 1880s.  The District consists of alluvial fans and old river terraces that have mixed sediments from the Monterey (marine shale), Paso Robles (non-marine mudstone and conglomerate) and Simmler (red sandstone) formations.  The temperatures are moderate and are considered ideal for Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, however there are many Rhone grapes like Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah as well.  El Pomar receives only 15 inches of rain per year but this amount is supplemented with marine breezes and fogs.

Bennett Valley - Wine Region of the Day

/

The Bennett Valley AVA is located in Sonoma County, California and was granted AVA status in 2003. The Bennet Valley currently has under 700 acres planted with vineyards, giving the area small production yields annually compared to neighboring AVAs. Surrounded by the Sonoma Mountains and located south of Santa Rosa, Bennet Valley receives cool coastal fog and breezes that sweep into the area from the Pacific Ocean. The AVA features well-draining beach-land soils, which force the vines to create deep roots in search of water. The soils and temperature of the region make it particularly well-suited for growing cool climate varietals, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Even though the region is not ideally suited for warmer climate varietals, the Bennet Valley has shown quite a bit of diversity in its ability to produce high-quality Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot, and Syrah.

North Yuba - Wine Region of the Day

/

North Yuba by David Toomey for Qorkz

North Yuba received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated on 22,548 acres, North Yuba is a sub-appellation of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA and is located in Yuba County. The vineyards in North Yuba typically sit at an elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The soil is largely volcanic in nature and well draining, forcing the vines to develop deep, sturdy roots. The vines typically produce a low yield of grapes, but the grapes produced are smaller in size with a more concentrated flavor. North Yuba is bathed in sunlight during the day, and the region is hot and dry in the daytime during the peak of the growing season. The nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a cooling effect in the evening and can drop the evening temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. This diurnal temperature swing creates a longer growing season and allows the vines to produce grapes with balanced acidity. North Yuba is known for its old vine Zinfandel but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne.

Templeton Gap District - Wine Region of the Day

/

Templeton Gap District by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Templeton Gap District is nestled between the Paso Robles Willow Creek District and the El Pomar District near Templeton, California.  The Templeton Gap consists of a series of mountain passes created by rivers and creeks in the Santa Lucia Range through which marine air flows into the region.  This is referred to as a water gap in Geology.  The name “Templeton Gap” was coined by Ken Volk of Wild Horse Winery to describe the area and has since been adopted by the fellow winemakers and the local real estate industry. 

The Templeton Gap is the coolest climate of the Paso Robles sub-appellations and receives approximately 20 inches of precipitation per year. The water gap allows marine influences to enter the region which moderate the daily temperatures and increase the amount of time that it takes for grapes to ripen.  The elevations in the area range from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level with the majority of the wineries located between 800 and 940 feet.

The location of the vineyards is largely along the wide terraced banks of the Paso Robles Creek and Salinas River.  The soils were created by alluvium of the Monterey Formation and are largely made up ofsilty and clay loans though there are some older soils produced from the Paso Robles Formation that are more cemented and shaly.  Grapes produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Charbono, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier and Zinfandel.

Cienega Valley - Wine Region of the Day

/

Cienega Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Cienega Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Located at an elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level, the soil of the region is divided by the San Andreas fault. Soil to the east of the fault consists of granite and sandstone, but to the west, the soil consists of granite and limestone. The Cienega Valley has warm, sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop bright flavors and even tannins while retaining acidity levels. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache/Syrah - Wine of the Day

/

2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache/Syrah

$28

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.

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.