April 17th - This Date in Wine History

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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 British government in 1796 passed an import tax of 30 £ per tun on French wine and 20 £ per tun on Spanish or Portuguese wines 
  • “The Colonist” of Sydney Australia contains an advertisement for H.E.I. Company offering for sale 100 Pipes of the, “Best Cape Madeira Wine”
  • Ron W. Miller, former NFL Player and Disney executive was born in 1933.  He is also owner of Silverado Winery along with his late wife, Diane Disney Miller.
  • North Dakota's first bonded winery since prohibition was bonded in 2002. The winery was Pointe of View Winery. North Dakota was the last state to bond a winery.
  • The French have a saying, « Avril froid à la saint Anicet, pain et vin donne, mai froid les moissonne.» or “April cold on St. Anicet's day gives wine and bread, May cold reaps them.”
  • It is Malbec World Day!  We have a couple to recommend!

San Miguel District - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

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Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend

$86

Our bold, fathomless, Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc is the collective soul of the vineyard. Barrel fermented and hand-racked for thirty months in French oak barrels. Testament has an inky dark hue and it’s intense nose heralds black and red currant, lavender, cola and black cherry followed by mocha-laced layered flavors of dark chocolate, cassis and baking spice in every glass.

Testament compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, beef bourguignon, lamb and hearty stews.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Mount Veeder - Wine Region of the Day

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Mount Veeder

Mount Veeder received its designation as an AVA in 1993 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 15,000 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains, the steep mountain face gives the vines the benefits of more direct sunlight and better drainage. Mount Veeder has high elevation and volcanic soil that imparts the region's distinctive flavor characteristics of eucalyptus, herbs, and florals. Given its proximity to the Los Carneros region, Mount Veeder benefits from the cool fog and ocean breezes off the San Pablo Bay. The cool and moderate climate on Mount Veeder extends the growing season and produced fruit that is well rounded and balanced in its acidity. The region is known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Diamond Mountain District - Wine Region of the Day

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Diamond Mountain District

The Diamond Mountain District received its AVA designation in 2001. The region sits on 5,000 acres and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located in the Mayacamas Mountains, Diamond Mountain's unique feature is its higher elevation than most of the growing regions in Napa Valley. The higher elevation allows the vines to sit above the fog line and receive a few extended hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil is volcanic, porous, and well draining which forces the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into the fruit. Given the warm sunny days and cool nightly breezes, the area has a significant diurnal temperature variation. The region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

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Paicines

Paicines received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 42,882 acres, Paicines is a sub-appellation of the San Benito AVA. The proposal for this appellation came from the Almaden winery which operates in the area.  The name Paicines was well documented as having been in use, including the name of the town in the center of the region. Confusingly enough, the original name of the unincorporated town was Tres Pinos which switched names with the original town of Paicines located further south down Airline Highway.

The Paicines that we are discussing is located east of Pinnacles National Park and takes its name originally from the Rancho Cienega de los Paicines (still in operation today as Paicines Ranch) a land that was granted in the 1840s.  Reports indicate that viticulture in the area began as early as the mid-1850s.

The soil of the region consists of a sandy loam which include alluvial deposits and feature fanned materials and benches which may act as natural terraces. The temperature is akin to that of the high desert and often will see daily temperatures north of 100 degrees in the peak of the growing season. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop dramatically, sometimes by as much as 40 degrees as cool Pacific air sweeps into the region.  The Paicines region tends not to feature fogs associated with that marine air.  Though on days that are particularly foggy some will move into the valley and will linger longer that surrounds regions.  Without this swing in temperatures, the region would be too hot to produce vines. The diurnal shift and fogallows the grapes will cool off and extend its growing season. Grapes will stay on the vine longer than in neighboring AVAs. The region is known for producing Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.

April 17th - This Date in Wine History

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North Dakota

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 British government in 1796 passed an import tax of 30 £ per tun on French wine and 20 £ per tun on Spanish or Portuguese wines 
  • “The Colonist” of Sydney Australia contains an advertisement for H.E.I. Company offering for sale 100 Pipes of the, “Best Cape Madeira Wine”
  • North Dakota's first bonded winery since prohibition was bonded in 2002. The winery was Pointe of View Winery. North Dakota was the last state to bond a winery.
  • It is Malbec World Day!  We have a couple to recommend!

2013 Essere Franco Malbec - Wine of the Day

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2013 Essere Franco Malbec

 2013 Essere Franco Malbec

$95

The fruit for this delicious wine was sourced from the Las Cerezas Vineyard in the Yountville AVA of Napa Valley.  Aged 18 months in 80% new French Oak, this medium to full bodied wine has flavors of dark berry and chocolate, with a touch of black pepper. It carries a crisp acidity with ripe plum aromas on the nose. It pairs incredible with Italian foods, and has quickly become our favorite wine to make since we bottled our first stand alone Malbec in 2007.

Only 116 cases produced

Yountville - Wine Region of the Day

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Yountville

Yountville received its distinction as an AVA in 1999 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The AVA is sitting on 8,000 acres, centered on the town Yountville, California. Volcanic soils on the eastern flank are similar to the neighboring Stags Leap District but also features centuries-old coastal deposits, and both sedimentary and alluvial soils exist to the west, interspersed with sandy and gravelly loam, as well as a little clay. No other area in all the Napa Valley has this particular geomorphic combination and pronounced soil differences. The climate of the region consists of cool marine air currents from San Pablo Bay to the south, allowing for cooler temperatures year round. These milder temperatures allow the grapes of the region plenty of time to develop unique flavor characteristics. The region currently produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Howell Mountain - Wine of the Day

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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.

Willow Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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Willow Creek map

Willow Creek received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 6,000 acres, Willow Creek is located in Humboldt and Trinity Counties and is centered around the town of Willow Creek. Willow Creek soils are typically very rocky with little clay content. The terrain is dominated with rocks, sand, and a loose loam. The Trinity River cuts through the center of the region, offering a cooling element to an otherwise hot daily sun. During the peak of growing season, the temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees, during the day. During the height of winter, the region can dip well below freezing temperatures. The hot daytime temperatures allow this region to grow a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah.

Guenoc Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Guenoc Valley AVA is in Lake County, California, north of the town of Calistoga. The AVA sits on 23,000 acres, and its grapes are grown at an elevation of 400 ft. It is name for the Mexican Land Grant, Rancho Guenoc that was given to George Rock in 1845.  Viticulture began in the valley in 1887 when Lily Langtry, mistress of the future Edward VII purchased part of the original Rancho to raise racehorses and make wine.

The Guenoc Valley is small and comprised of a mix of Arroyo Seco and Conejo Loam soils deposited by former rivers to make the region one large alluvial fan. The Guenoc Valley is isolated from surrounding areas by rocky ridges, creating a small valley. Compared to surrounding areas, the Guenoc Valley receives less rainfall per year, but greater temperature variance throughout the year. The region is known for its Syrah production, but also produces Petit Verdot, Malbec, Semillon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

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Paicines received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 42,882 acres, Paicines is a sub-appellation of the San Benito AVA. The proposal for this appellation came from the Almaden winery which operates in the area.  The name Paicines was well documented as having been in use, including the name of the town in the center of the region. Confusingly enough, the original name of the unincorporated town was Tres Pinos which switched names with the original town of Paicines located further south down Airline Highway.

The Paicines that we are discussing is located east of Pinnacles National Park and takes its name originally from the Rancho Cienega de los Paicines (still in operation today as Paicines Ranch) a land that was granted in the 1840s.  Reports indicate that viticulture in the area began as early as the mid-1850s.

The soil of the region consists of a sandy loam which include alluvial deposits and feature fanned materials and benches which may act as natural terraces. The temperature is akin to that of the high desert and often will see daily temperatures north of 100 degrees in the peak of the growing season. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop dramatically, sometimes by as much as 40 degrees as cool Pacific air sweeps into the region.  The Paicines region tends not to feature fogs associated with that marine air.  Though on days that are particularly foggy some will move into the valley and will linger longer that surrounds regions.  Without this swing in temperatures, the region would be too hot to produce vines. The diurnal shift and fogallows the grapes will cool off and extend its growing season. Grapes will stay on the vine longer than in neighboring AVAs. The region is known for producing Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.

Santa Margarita Ranch - Wine Region of the Day

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The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is the most southern portion of the original Paso Robles appellation.  The Santa Margarita Ranch started as an agricultural satellite location for the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission, was responsible for producing wheat and wine grapes beginning in 1774.  The mission was then known as Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia.  It was later identified as a rancho or land grant.

The area is found between the La Panza and Santa Lucia Mountains in the Santa Margarita Valley with the Salina River running throughout.  The elevations in the appellation range from 900 feet at the riverbank to 1,400 feet at the highest point.  Santa Margarita Ranch receives moderate marine influences with ocean breezes coming through the Cuesta Pass but these are less than the air currents in the Templeton Gap AVA further downstream.  Santa Margarita Ranch averages 29 inches of precipitation per year, more than the majority of the Paso Robles sub-appellations as a result of these breezes and also because of the elevation of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The majority of vineyards in the environs are found on the valley floor where cooler temperatures tend to pool.  There is a small aquifer in the area that is used for frost protection as well as irrigation.  The soils overlaying this basin consist of alluvial loams and gravels and some clays created from the surrounding Monterey shale, Santa Margarita sandstones and older Cretaceous rocks.  Grapes being produced in the region include: Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel.

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

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Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend

$86

Our bold, fathomless, Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc is the collective soul of the vineyard. Barrel fermented and hand-racked for thirty months in French oak barrels. Testament has an inky dark hue and it’s intense nose heralds black and red currant, lavender, cola and black cherry followed by mocha-laced layered flavors of dark chocolate, cassis and baking spice in every glass.

Testament compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, beef bourguignon, lamb and hearty stews.

Leona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Leona Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Leona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2008. Located on 8,751 acres, Leona Valley is located in North Eastern Los Angeles County. Leona Valley features well draining nutrient rich alluvial soils. The Leona Valley is a high desert climate with hot days and cool evenings. The grapes receive daily sun during the height of the growing season, and the 2,700-foot elevation of the vineyards ensures a cool evening and a longer growing season. The region is known for its production of Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Malbec.

The valley was named for rancher, Miguel Leonis, a Basque shepard from France who bought a previously existing adobe in Calabasas, California which was eventually expanded into a Monterey style building with a Queen Anne veranda. Leonis eventually controlled most of the western portion of the San Fernando Valley and was considered the robber baron of the region.  The adobe is considered to be one the most haunted places in California with sitings of Miguel, his common-law wife, Espiritu Chujilla, a Chumash indian, who was forced to fight her husband's relatives in court when her 'husband' referred to her as his "faithful housekeeper" in his will.

2013 Essere Franco Malbec - Wine of the Day

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2013 Essere Franco Malbec

$95

The fruit for this delicious wine was sourced from the Las Cerezas Vineyard in the Yountville AVA of Napa Valley.  Aged 18 months in 80% new French Oak, this medium to full bodied wine has flavors of dark berry and chocolate, with a touch of black pepper. It carries a crisp acidity with ripe plum aromas on the nose. It pairs incredible with Italian foods, and has quickly become our favorite wine to make since we bottled our first stand alone Malbec in 2007.

Red Hills Lake County - Wine Region of the Day

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Red Hills Lake County by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Red Hills Lake County AVA is located on 31,250 acres in Lake County, California. The wine region is southwest of Clear Lake, at the foot of Mount Konocti, which is an active volcano. True to its name, Red Hills consists of rolling hills between elevations of 1,400 feet and 3,000 feet. The Red Hills receive an average of between 25 inches and 40 inches of rainfall each year. The volcanic soils of the region give the vines their signature minerality. In particular, the soils are known to be strewn with volcanic glass called obsidian which was created when Mount Konocti erupted and lava flowed into Clear Lake cooling it instantly.  The region is known for its red wines, specifically Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.

2012 Nobelle Wines Cuvée Noël - Wine of the Day

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2012 Nobelle Wines Cuvée Noël

$25

Aged for 18 months – 1/3 in brand new barrels, 1/3 in 2 to 5 year old barrels, 1/3 neutral barrels. Varietals comprise Cabernet Sauvignon from Starr Ranch, Malbec from Lockwood Valley Vineyards, dry farm Merlot from Julie’s Vineyard and Syrah from Hearthstone Vineyard.  2012 was amazing by any standard. All of this fruit came to full maturity with good color and acids, the natural hot springs underneath Julie’s Vineyard provided all the water and nutrients that the grapes needed to survive.  Typical Bordeaux style elegant and plummy with a twist of spice, the merlot brings a traditional velvety texture to the blend and cab the tannins.