February 21st - This Date in Wine History

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Hieronymus_Bock.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.

  • Hieronymus Bock, a German botanist, physician and minister died in 1554.  He is the first person documented to use the term Riesling in his Kreutterbuch (Plant Book).

  • Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian who lived to 122 years, 164 days was born in 1875.  She was known to smoke a cigar or cigarette and drink a small glass of Port everyday from ages 111-114.

  • Bonfort’s Wine and Spirit Circular reports that the steamer San Juan sailed for Panama in 1890 with a consignment of California wines.

  • Lidia Bastianich was born in 1947 in Pula, Croatia.  She is one of the owners of Bastianich Winery in Friuli, Italy with her son, Joe.

  • Spain's Dominio de Valdepusa Vino de Pago was created in 2003.  It is located in Malpica de Tajo.

February 21st - This Date in Wine History

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Hieronymus_Bock.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. 

  • Hieronymus Bock, a German botanist, physician and minister died in 1554.  He is the first person documented to use the term Riesling in his Kreutterbuch (Plant Book).
  • Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian who lived to 122 years, 164 days was born in 1875.  She was known to smoke a cigar or cigarette and drink a small glass of Port everyday from ages 111-114.
  • Bonfort’s Wine and Spirit Circular reports that the steamer San Juan sailed for Panama in 1890 with a consignment of California wines.
  • Lidia Bastianich was born in 1947 in Pula, Croatia.  She is one of the owners of Bastianich Winery in Friuli, Italy with her son, Joe.
  • Spain's Dominio de Valdepusa Vino de Pago was created in 2003.  It is located in Malpica de Tajo

San Bernabe - Wine Region of the Day

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San Bernabe received its designation as an AVA in 2004. Sitting on 24,796 acres, the region is a sub-appellation of the Monterey AVA. The most centrally located of all of the AVAs located in Monterey, San Bernabe is located between the Salinas River and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The soil of the region is a sandy loam and has excellent drainage. There are varying climates within the region, but it mostly has long sunny days and cool nights that allow for a well balanced but robust grape. The region grows over fifteen different varietals but is mostly known for producing Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Arroyo Seco - Wine Region of the Day

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Arroyo Seco

Following the river of the same name through a canyon to the Salinas Valley, the Arroyo Seco appellation is largely nestled between the Gabilan and Santa Lucia Mountains.  The name “Arroyo Seco” means dry creek or dry riverbed in Spanish and the river flows through the canyon to widen into a shallow sandy bed that goes dry seasonally.  When the river is húmeda (wet) it flows into the Salinas River.  As a result, there are two distinct microclimates in this viticultural area.

The main part of the appellation found in the Salinas Valley surround the City of Greenfield is cooler than the passage through the mountains due to afternoon winds and fogs blowing down the valley from Monterey Bay.  This keeps the mid-summer high temperatures from stressing the vines and allows the grapes to mature more slowly and develop maximum flavors.  The vines are prevented from getting too cold by the presence of 3-4 inch cobblestones called “Greenfield Potatoes” which retain the heat and release it slowly over the evenings.  This section of the appellation produces cooler friendly varietals such as Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

The other portion of the Arroyo Seco appellation follows the river towards its source halting near the boundary of the Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest.  This section of the AVA is dominated by a steep canyon with poor soils that make the grapes work to find water.  Climatically, it is warmer than the valley, a reversal of what one normally finds given the increased elevation.  This area of the appellation produces Bordeaux and Rhone varietals as well as Zinfandel.

Though the Arroyo Seco Viticultural Area is one of the oldest in the country (formed in 1983) it has suffered because it has often been seen as a grower’s appellation.  Initially planted in the early 1960s the grapes from its 18,240 acres were often sold to other wineries that used the grapes to produces wines with either the California or Central Coast appellations.  This is changing as more wineries are using this Monterey County viticultural designation on their labels. 

Mendocino Ridge - Wine Region of the Day

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Mendocino Ridge

The Mendocino Ridge AVA is located on 262,400 acres within the coastal zone of Mendocino County, California. Mendocino Ridge's boundaries begin at the coastal ridges adjacent to the Pacific Ocean that reach inland toward the Anderson Valley. Mendocino Ridge is limited by elevation, reserved only for vineyards at or above 1200 feet. There are 2,000 acres of vineyards perched above thick fog moving inland from the Pacific Ocean blanketing the coast and the valleys between the ridge tops, allowing the vines to grow above the blanket of fog. The area is known its production of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

The early wine producers in this viticultural area were Italian immigrants who planted Alicante-Bouscet, Carignan, Malvasia, Muscat, Palomino and Zinfandel. The first winery in the area, and indeed all of Mendocino County, was Antonio Ciapusci who planted his land in 1878. Many of these vineyards were replanted with other crops during Prohibition but several have survived including the Ciapusci, Perli, Gianoli and Zeni vineyards.

Trinity Lakes - Wine Region of the Day

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Trinity Lakes

Trinity Lakes received its designation as an AVA in 2005. Situated on 96,000 acres, Trinity Lakes is located in Trinity County and is centered around Trinity Lake. The vineyards are found in the rocky benches that surround Trinity Lake. The soil is rocky and porous with excellent drainage forcing the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into producing the fruit that results in a deeply concentrated flavor in the grapes. The vineyards are planted between 1,200 and 2,500 feet, allowing for longer exposure to sunlight but still subject to the cool winds that sweep through the region. This large diurnal temperature swing allows for a longer growing season and allows the wines to develop a well-balanced acidity and tannin structure. The region is known for its production of cool climate varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.

Applegate Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley

Located near a series of ancient lakes near the banks of the Columbia River, the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is an unusual region.  The lakes were formed when Lake Missoula, a prehistoric lake at the base of Cordilleran ice sheet burst through an ice dam creating a deluge that tore through the Columbia Valley.  Much of the rock was eroded creating benches on the banks of the  river while eddies  helped carve the rock deeper to create the Ancient Lakes and steep canyons called coulees in the area throughout.  The viticultural area is located between Beezely and Frenchmen Hills bounded on the west by the Columbia River and to the west by a range line to the east.  The soils and rocks in this area were washed away leaving hardpan and loess over basalt.

The climate is considered cold semi-arid meaning that it has warm to hot summers with cold winters.  The area is dry because it is located in the rain shadow of both the Olympic and Cascade Ranges and receives less than eight inches of rain per year.  

Created in 2012, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is known for it's white wines.  In particular, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris which are prized for their bright acidity and minerality.

Arroyo Grande Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Arroyo Grande Valley

Located in the southeastern portion of San Luis Obispo county, the Arroyo Grande Valley is a study in opposites.  The land is largely made of marine sediments that are part of the Franciscan formation but is crisscrossed with volcanic intrusions and faults.  The weather is largely warm and dry but marked with a fog line that separates cooler and wetter microclimates from those that are warmer and drier.  Naturally this carries over into their wine making, with part of the valley producing Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals being produced at the far end of the valley and Pinot Noir, Chardonnays and Riesling. 

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

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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.

San Bernabe - Wine Region of the Day

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San Bernabe

San Bernabe received its designation as an AVA in 2004. Sitting on 24,796 acres, the region is a sub-appellation of the Monterey AVA. The most centrally located of all of the AVAs located in Monterey, San Bernabe is located between the Salinas River and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The soil of the region is a sandy loam and has excellent drainage. There are varying climates within the region, but it mostly has long sunny days and cool nights that allow for a well balanced but robust grape. The region grows over fifteen different varietals but is mostly known for producing Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Trinity Lakes - Wine Region of the Day

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Trinity Lakes received its designation as an AVA in 2005. Situated on 96,000 acres, Trinity Lakes is located in Trinity County and is centered around Trinity Lake. The vineyards are found in the rocky benches that surround Trinity Lake. The soil is rocky and porous with excellent drainage forcing the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into producing the fruit that results in a deeply concentrated flavor in the grapes. The vineyards are planted between 1,200 and 2,500 feet, allowing for longer exposure to sunlight but still subject to the cool winds that sweep through the region. This large diurnal temperature swing allows for a longer growing season and allows the wines to develop a well-balanced acidity and tannin structure. The region is known for its production of cool climate varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.

March 11th - 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 JuliénasAOC was named in 1938. 
  • The Texas Davis Mountains AVA was designated in 1998. The primary grapes grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Spain's Mondéjar DO was created in 2007. The primary grapes grown here are Tempranillo and Macebo.
  • Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley AVA was designated in 2008.  The most common grapes produced here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Vidal Blanc.

Suisun Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Suisun Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1982 and is located on 15,000 acres in Solano County, California. Suisun Valley features a range in elevations from 200 feet on the floor of the valley to over 2,000 feet up on Oak Hill. The region features varying soils depending on the location. In the valley, the soil is sandstone, deep and well draining. In the foothills, the soils are more volcanic in nature. The Suisun Valley receives daily sunshine but due to its proximity to Suisun Bay, it has foggy and cool nights with coastal breezes flowing through the valley during the day. The variety of soils, temperatures and growing elevations gives Suisun Valley great versatility in its varietals with more than twenty varieties of wine grapes being produced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gamay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier, Riesling, and Zinfandel.

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

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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.

San Francisco Bay - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Map of Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley by Gretchen Miller Neuman for Qorkz.

Located near a series of ancient lakes near the banks of the Columbia River, the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is an unusual region.  The lakes were formed when Lake Missoula, a prehistoric lake at the base of Cordilleran ice sheet burst through an ice dam creating a deluge that tore through the Columbia Valley.  Much of the rock was eroded creating benches on the banks of the  river while eddies  helped carve the rock deeper to create the Ancient Lakes and steep canyons called coulees in the area throughout.  The viticultural area is located between Beezely and Frenchmen Hills bounded on the west by the Columbia River and to the west by a range line to the east.  The soils and rocks in this area were washed away leaving hardpan and loess over basalt.

The climate is considered cold semi-arid meaning that it has warm to hot summers with cold winters.  The area is dry because it is located in the rain shadow of both the Olympic and Cascade Ranges and receives less than eight inches of rain per year.  

Created in 2012, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is known for it's white wines.  In particular, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris which are prized for their bright acidity and minerality.

Monterey - Wine Region of the Day

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Photo of Monterey by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Monterey region received its AVA designation in 1984. Monterey is a larger region and contains the sub-appelations of Arroyo Seco, Hames Valley, San Bernabe, San Lucas, and the Santa Lucia Highlands. The region covers over 100 miles and spans from Monterey Bay to Paso Robles. The majority of the production in Monterey is Chardonnay, but Pinot Noir Merlot, and Riesling are also produced here.

Arroyo Grande Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Photo of Arroyo Grande Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Located in the southeastern portion of San Luis Obispo county, the Arroyo Grande Valley is a study in opposites.  The land is largely made of marine sediments that are part of the Franciscan formation but is crisscrossed with volcanic intrusions and faults.  The weather is largely warm and dry but marked with a fog line that separates cooler and wetter microclimates from those that are warmer and drier.  Naturally this carries over into their wine making, with part of the valley producing Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals being produced at the far end of the valley and Pinot Noir,  Chardonnay and Riesling. 

South Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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SOUTH COAST

Image of the South Coast Wine Region by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The South Coast received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated over 2,237,503 acres, the South Coast includes sub-appellations Cucamonga Valley, Malibu-Newton Canyon, Ramona Valley, Saddle Rock-Malibu, San Pasqual Valley, and Temecula Valley. There is an array of soil types and microclimates across the South Coast, allowing the region to show its diversity in the production of many different varietals. The region produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Trebbiano, Viognier, and Zinfandel.