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10/20/08 - Brandy Wine
A Featured Brandy Wine Article
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pinot Noir fan, I really enjoy exploring new, interesting wines from this region.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
A Short Brandy Wine Summary
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pino...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Brandy Wine Products we recommend
Dunn Vineyards
"The formidable 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts an inky/purple color to the rim, and smells like blackberry liqueur intermixed with acacia flowers. With extraordinary intensity, power, richness, and purity, this dry red wine from California looks to be one of the greatest efforts made by Randy Dunn. Since none of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons (first released in 1979) are close to full maturity, this 2001 will probably need 8-10 years of cellaring; it should last for 3-4 decades. An interesting point of trivia is that Randy Dunn's production of approximately 4,000 cases of Napa and Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon per year has not changed since the winery's inception ... somewhat refreshing in view of the American cultural tendency to think that "bigger is better". RP - 96 (Subject to Availability) DUHC01 DUHC01
Price: 171.99 USD
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Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pinot Noir fan, I really enjoy exploring new, interesting wines from this region.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ben Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and is the webmaster of http://www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com
A Short Brandy Wine Summary
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pino...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Brandy Wine Products we recommend
Dunn Vineyards
"The formidable 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts an inky/purple color to the rim, and smells like blackberry liqueur intermixed with acacia flowers. With extraordinary intensity, power, richness, and purity, this dry red wine from California looks to be one of the greatest efforts made by Randy Dunn. Since none of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons (first released in 1979) are close to full maturity, this 2001 will probably need 8-10 years of cellaring; it should last for 3-4 decades. An interesting point of trivia is that Randy Dunn's production of approximately 4,000 cases of Napa and Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon per year has not changed since the winery's inception ... somewhat refreshing in view of the American cultural tendency to think that "bigger is better". RP - 96 (Subject to Availability) DUHC01 DUHC01
Price: 171.99 USD
News about Brandy Wine
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Jump to the full entry & travel map Wuwei, Gansu, China DAY " it's such a perfect day..." - Jiayuguan to desert camp - 135km Beautiful temperatures and a slight tail wind makes it such a pleasant day. Autumn is upon us with the trees changing into the most beautiful colours of red, orange and yellow and the snow peaks in the background. It also helped that my body felt very rested after having spoiled it with a two hour massage the day before. Sorry the visit to the grea
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Penny at Marmalade Skies tagged me with this meme, and even though I’m sure I’ve done it - I figured I’m weird enough that I can tell you 71 weird things about me. First, the rules: 1. Link to the person who tagged you 2. Share Seven Random and/or Weird Facts about yourself 3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs 4. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog Then, the dirt: I eat oatmeal with fresh fruit for b
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Sun, 19 Oct 08 23:15:31 -0700
The Inside Secrets to Wine Wine has been made for centuries from just a two simple ingredients: yeast and grape juice. Actually, just about any fruit juice can be used, but by far the majority of all wine is made from the juice of the grape. ¶ Posted 20 October 2008 † Chris Jensen § Food and Drink ‡ Comments (0) ° Tagged: 4 seasons wine, 4seasonswine, 4seasonswine.com, wine, www.4seasonswine.com
An Idiot’s Guide To Wine Tasting
Sun, 19 Oct 08 23:05:48 -0700
An Idiot’s Guide To Wine Tasting Have you ever seen those stiff upper-lipped types doing a spot of the old wine tasting malarkey? You know the form sip, swill, spit. Yuck! Well this information has been written to help you understand the form should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to know what to do. ¶ Posted 20 October 2008 † Chris Jensen § Food and Drink ‡ Comments (0) ° Tagged: 4 seasons wine, 4seasonswine, 4seasonswine.com, wine, www.4seasonswine.com
Worst Date Challenge
Sun, 19 Oct 08 22:56:16 -0700
Hillary recently said that there is a meme going around about worst dates ever. Long ago, back when I was single and this site was called Martinis For One, I actually wrote about my worst date. And because I'm busy entertaining friends this week, I decided to dust it off and replay it. This post comes with a challenge, however. I ask that readers write about THEIR worst date in return. Are you up for the challenge? It started off innocently enough--four women, two bottles of wine, and one fine
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Wine Definitions
Wine Companies
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