November 21st - This Date in Wine History

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.

• North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution and is admitted as the 12th state in 1789.  It is home to Appalachian High Country, Haw River Valley, Swan Creek, Upper Hiwassee Highlands, Yadkin Valley and possibly soon, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County.

• The Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill to establish a commercial vineyard and winery in 1799

• California's Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA was designated in 1983.

• California's South Coast AVA was designated in 1985.

• New Mexico's Mimbres Valley AVA was designated in 1985.

• Happy National Zinfandel Day.

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  It is the second largest appellation within Sonoma County.  It contains myriad elevations, soil types and climates.  It was designated, in large part to allow the term, "Estate" to be applied to vintages from large producers like Gallo and Rodney Strong but is home to some small producers as well.  The primary grape produced in this area is Cabernet Sauvignon but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are grown here as well.

Fair Play - Wine Region of the Day

Fair Play received its designation as an AVA in 2001. Situated on 23,198 acres, Fair Play is a sub-appellation of the El Dorado AVA. Centered on the town of Placerville, Fair Play's growing regions sit at 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level. Soils in the region are largely loam based and well draining. The climate in Fair Play features warm days followed by cold nights. The altitude allows the vines extra hours of sunshine and warm temperatures during the day, but also allows them to cool down at night. This diurnal cycle keeps the grapes from ripening too quickly and allows for the wines to develop their balanced acidity and tannin structure. The region is known for its production of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

2014 Calstar Alta Zinfandel - Wine of the Day

2014 Calstar Alta Zinfandel

$25

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Clear, deep ruby crimson color with violet glints.  A complex, meaty and multifaceted Zinfandel with all the power and fruit of an old vine vineyard.  Blackberry, au jus, toasty sweet oak and black pepper aromas are supported by hints of mushroom and dried thyme.  The palette follows with juicy berry acidity and velvety chewy tannins.  Flavors of black plum skin, fig compote, dried herbs and roast beef with concentrated fruit and a dark, brooding finish. 

As a true Zinfandel lover, Proprietor and Winemaker, Rick Davis, wanted a vineyard that balanced the big, jammy notes of classic Zin with the minerality, lean tannins and age-ability of a cooler climate.  In the hills of El Dorado County, vineyards range from 1,200 to 3,500 feet in elevation, exposing Zinfandel to hot, sultry days and very chilly nights during the summer season.  In addition, the growing season is longer than most appellations, with slow, gradual ripening creating balanced, food-friendly Zinfandels worthy of cellar time.

Central Coast - Wine Region of the Day

The Central Coast was designated as an AVA in 1985. Situated across 280 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is home to sub-appellations Arroyo Grande Valley, Arroyo Seco, Ballard Canyon, Ben Lomond Mountain, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Cienega Valley, Edna Valley, Hames Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Lime Kiln Valley, Livermore Valley, Monterey, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, San Benito, San Bernabe, San Francisco Bay, San Lucas, San Ysidro District, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, and York Mountain. The Central Coast is so vast that it features a variety of soil types and microclimates across its sub-appellations. The most common vines planted across the Central Coast are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.

Saddle Rock - Malibu - Wine Region of the Day

Saddle Rock - Malibu received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated on 2,100 acres, Saddle Rock-Malibu is located high in the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles County. Located just 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Saddle Rock's growing region sits at an elevation of 2,000 feet above sea level. Saddle Rock - Malibu has sandy, rocky soil, which is well draining and forces the grapes to dig their roots deep into the ground in search of water. The region is washed in sunlight during the day, but its high elevation allows for cooling night time effects that lengthen the growing season, allowing the fruit to develop good acidity balance. The hot days of Saddle Rock-Malibu make the region ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

2012 Coruce Zinfandel - Wine of the Day

 2012 Coruce Zinfandel

$24.99

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This wine is comprised of 90% Zinfandel, 5% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah.  The fruit was all hand harvested and table sorted followed by a 48-hour cold soak on the skins.  The fruit was fermented for 18 days and then pressed off the skins and racked off the solids into 3 and 4-year-old American oak barrels and aged for 18 months.

This wine has flavors and aromas of wild blackberry and brambly raspberry fruits, cherry, .cola and leather followed with a toasty finish.  Medium tannins.

Fountaingrove District - Wine Region of the Day

The Fountaingrove District received its designation as an AVA in 2015. Situated on 38,000 acres, Fountaingrove is located in Sonoma County. Most of the soils are derived from Sonoma Volcanic and Franciscan Formation bedrock and consists of volcanic materials, such as pumiceous ash flow tuff and basalt lava. The Fountaingrove District is located on the western slopes of the Mayacmas Mountains and features low, rolling hills as well as higher, steeper mountains with southwest-facing slopes. The Sonoma Mountains along the region's southwestern boundary, shelter Fountaingrove from the strongest marine breezes and heaviest fog, but an air gap in the mountains does allow some cooling air and fog into the region. The moderate temperatures within the Fountaingrove District are suitable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Viognier grape varieties

2014 Calstar Za Za Zinfandel - Wine of the Day

 2014 Calstar Za Za Zinfandel

$18

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Medium ruby purple in color.  Bright and lively on the nose with aromas of strawberry jam, sweet oak spice, vanilla and blackberry pie.  Though rich in fruit and spice, the palette is pleasantly light with a juicy cranberry-like acidity.  Jammy berries, maple, cedar box and black plum dominate while subtle flavors of bay leaf, dried oregano and mushroom provide complexity.  Soft, chewy tannins provide structure and promise several years of aging in bottle, allowing the ample berry fruitiness to evolve and reveal more secondary savory notes.

Proprietor and Winemaker, Rick Davis first met Bill Stokes, owner of Stokes Vineyard, over ten years ago while searching for old vine Zinfandel in the up-and-coming area of Lodi in San Joaquin County.  The fruit from Stokes Vineyard never disappoints with richness and intensity that comes from old vines with subtle spice notes that all speak to the vineyard management and site.

Fiddletown - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Lime Kiln Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Lime Kiln Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1982 but has been home to vineyards since 1887.  Vine cuttings were brought from France and from mission vineyards.

Situated on 2,300 acres, Lime Kiln Valley is located in San Benito County. The valley has been known for its kilns before 1900.  The county formally named the valley in the 1970s.  The soil of the region consists of fine limestone and dolomite base, with top layers of sand and gravel loam above.

The climate of the valley is noted for having less precipitation than the land at higher elevations but slightly more than the greater Cienega Valley.  The valley floor averages 16 inches per year instead of 40 inches up in the mountains and 15 inches in other valley zones. 

Lime Kiln Valley has a mild diurnal cycle; the region has bright sunny days and moderate evenings. Average temperatures in the valley are cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer than the surrounding areas.

.The region is best known for its production of Mourvedre and  Zinfandel but is also home to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir as well a virtually extinct Bordeaux varietal, Gros Verdot

Arroyo Seco - Wine Region of the Day

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. 

2010 Coruce Syrah - Wine of the Day

2010 Coruce Syrah

$24.95

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2010 Coruce Syrah: This wine is comprised of 90% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Zinfandel and 3% Viognier. The grapes were hand harvested and table sorted and co-fermented for 14 days and pressed off into 3 & 4 year old French Oak barrels.

This wine has aromas and flavors of dark cherries, plum & lavender and blueberries with a lush jammy finish.

Open and decant for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Eagle Peak Mendocino County - Wine Region of the Day

The proposed Eagle Peak Mendocino County viticultural area is another region proposed by Ralph Jens Carter.  In the process of creating Eagle Peak, Mr. Carter proposed editing the already existing Mendocino and Redwood Valley appellations so all three viticultural areas were separated with no overlapping territory.  

Eagle Peak Mendocino County is so named as there are nearly fifty “Eagle Peak”s throughout the United States.  Mendocino County was added to the proposed name to clarify its location.  

The area is slightly over 26,000 acres in size of which 120 are under vine in 16 commercial vineyards and surrounds the summit of Eagle Peak.  The rocks in the area are mostly shale and sandstones from the Franciscan Complex which are found on rolling to steep, unstable slopes and terraces.  These rocks tend to be high in nickel and magnesium which can have negative impacts on grape vines.  Fortunately, the soils are thin and rocky allowing for the optimum canopy to maximize sunlight exposure.  Thin soils on steep slopes are subject to erosion but hold enough moisture to avoid the use of irrigation until after the period of fast growth called “grand growth stage”.  

The elevations in the viticultural area range from 800-3,320 feet which protect vineyards on the high slopes from frost by allowing cool air and excess water to drain into the surrounding valleys.  The slopes are largely south facing giving the vineyards longer daylight.

The region is known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Syrah and Zinfandel.

San Miguel District - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Sonoma Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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The Sonoma Mountain AVA is located in Sonoma County, California. It is centered on the Sonoma Mountain a folded volcanic uplift.   The appellation is included in the Sonoma Valley AVA, but due to its unique elevation and geology, it was granted status as its own AVA in 1985. 

The area is known primarily for its high elevation benches.  These contain folds that create diverse micro-climates which are home to cooler climate grapes.  Primarily the area is known for thermal flows of cooler, moister air that moves down into the valley.  A southern aspect, meaning the vineyards get a more sunshine during the day.  The region sits above the fog which also increases that sunlight. This makes the area perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The region's soil is a mix of basalt, ash and ancient marine deposits that were uplifted along with the volcanic rocks.  They typically consist of the Goulding Series and are cobbly to gravelly loams and are well draining.  

Sonoma Mountain is home to relatively few wineries but is the source of high-quality fruit.  The combination of the terror and the climate make this region perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the region's signature wine. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the region known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Zinfandel.

Mendocino Ridge - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Applegate Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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

$20.00

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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.