Grape’s typical characteristics

 

Pinot Grigio,  also known as Pinot Gris in many parts of the world, is perhaps the best-known white wine of Italy. Stylistically, it  can range from tart and citrusy to rich and velvety . In it's best examples, Pinot Grigio is a subtle and medium to full-bodied white wine that doesn’t overpower delicate food flavors. It is the ideal beverage alone or as a light meal accompaniment.

Pinot Grigio pairs  well with rice dishes, particularly  creamy white risotto with asparagus. White sauce pastas and shellfish with delicate cream sauces are the perfect match to a good Pinot Grigio.

Grape’s typical characteristics

 

Sangiovese is Italy's most famous grape and the main grape of the Chianti region. It dates back to the 6th century BC. Sangiovese wines are influenced greatly by the soil and climate where they are grown, and from the production techniques applied. Wines made from Sangiovese grapes can vary widely in style, from superbly structured with a full body to a simple table wines. 

Enjoy this nice rich, red wine with a traditional Italian meal; pizza, steak, lamb and game meats, spicy cappelini puttanesca, or any tomato-based pastas.

Our Wine

Our '07 Sangiovese was grown at two locations on the estate and aged in French and American oak barrels. Each "lot" is fermented separately, barrel aged, then blended, allowing each lot's different characteristics to contribute to the finished wine's overall taste and aroma profile.

the 2007 Sangiovese shows a medium ruby hue. The wine displays lovely red berry and floral aromas, followed on the palate by bright flavors and acidity. A long and balanced finsih completes the wine.

The Sangiovese is a perfect match to pasta with rich tomato-based sauce, hearty soups and stews, or grilled spicy Italian sausage!   

Barbera

 Barbera is an Italian -origin grape grown extensively in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is the second most widely used grape, next to Sangiovese. Barbera was traditionally used for production in simple table wine, but modern techniques (including oak barrel aging) enabled the grape to produce a more sophisticated wine. It has a long history in California, and a promising future. Typically, Barbera is a full-bodied wine of deep ruby color, rustic and aromatic.

Barbera pairs well with savory casseroles, roasted meats and tomato-stews. Try it with a creamy mushroom soup, white beans with olive oil, basil, and a crusty loaf of herbed bread.

Our Wine

Like in '06, our 2007 Bella Piazza Barbera was grown at three locations on the estate, and each "lot" is fermented separately. The different vineyard locations each contribute a unique element to the finished wine. The 2007 Barbera has a delicate garnet color, some smoky cherry and spice notes on the nose, and warm, rich fruit flavors with bright acidity. The wine is aged in 20% French oak and 80% American oak barrels for 14 months, and finishes with length and elegance. This wine will age nicely for five years.

Grape’s typical characteristics    

Originally from Spain, Tempranillo is the principal component of the Spanish Rioja wines. The grapes are thick-skinned and moderate in acid. Bold on the palate and interesting when young , Tempranillo becomes velvety as it ages and can display great complexity. It is often blended with Grenache, Cab Sauvignon, or Monastrell.

Tempranillo complements dishes of distinctive flavors and texture, such as Spanish tapas, potatoes flavored with spicy local sausage, roasted lamb or young goat, fresh water fish, and cheeses.

Our Wine

Our Tempranillo has fat fruit aromas with cassis, banana and berry flavors that carry through to the finish. Just delicious, and a good choice for a wine to drink all by itself. 

Grape’s typical characteristics

Zinfandel probably originated in Croatia, and has roots as Primitivo in Italy.  It is one of the most widely planted red grapes in California. Zinfandel became popular in the mid-1800s during thealifornia Gold Rush. Zinfandel is a mouth-filling dry red wine with a lot of spice in the finish. It is a fruit-forward wine which is best drunk young (or only after a couple years in the bottle) and has a jammy aroma. This deep purple-red wine has a full body and is usually high in alcohol content. The hot summer days and cool nights are  perfect for Zinfandel in our valley. Some of the oldest vineyards in California are Zinfandel. While the term old vine has no specific definition for the necessary age of the vine, we only label our Zinfandels old vine after sixty years. The Shenandoah Valley has vines up to 140 years old.

Zinfandels pair well with spicy foods, rich stews and chili, and full-flavored roasts and cheeses. It is at home on the dining room table or the picnic table.

Our Wines

Our Shennadoah Valley Zinfandel is known for its rich, dark red color scheme, medium to high tannin levels and higher alcohol content. Tasting flavors include rasberry, blackberry, cherry, plum, raisin, and black pepper all wrapped in various intensities of oak.  

Fox Creek Old Vine Zinfandel is bright with a sharp ruby color. Rasberries and Asian pears jump out the nose. Big, powerful entry of concentrated berries wrapped around a firm tannic core which gives suppleness and ageability to this 110 year old vine dry farmed Zinfandel. 

 Jake's Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel offers a classic deep, dark, berry flaovr spiced withtoasted oak and underlined with fruit and warmed by a menthol that carries the fruit out of the glass. Especially clean, big, fat, supple entry of an explosion of fruit that follows all the way to the finish.

Grape’s typical characteristics

 

        

The Syrah grape originated in the Rhone Valley of France. It is a gorgeous, deep purple-colored grape that loves the sun and is full of sugars and tannins which allow it to age very well. It is also called Shiraz, a name designated by Australians, where the grape also flourishes. The California sun and the rocky granite soils are perfect for this grape, and give it its earthy character.  Syrah is deeply colored and full-bodied,  with great structure and elegance. 

The 2007 Estate Syrah displays a medium garnet/ruby color. Classic black cherry and smoked meat aromas announce the rich chocolate and coffee flavors, with ripe red fruit notes. Lush and supple, with a long, lingering finish. This Syrah was aged for 18 months in 85% French oak and 15% American oak barrels and will reward patient cellaring.

Syrah pairs well with grilled and barbequed meats, pork, and venison.

Grape’s typical characteristics

      

Cabernet Sauvignon is called the classic red. It is the hybrid offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to produce the Bordeaux wines of France.  Cabernet Sauvignon is widely planted all over the world. The grape produces a  tannic, full-bodied wine with strong notes of black currants, green olives, mint, and herbs.

Our vintage 2007 is garnet in color; this velvety Cabernet Sauvigon  offers aromas of cherry and black currant with graphite undertones.

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with venison,  lamb, and grilled meats. Enjoy it after a meal with ripe, full-flavored cheese, and try it with dark chocolate.

Drinkable now,  this wine will further benefit in three to five years time.

Grape’s typical characteristics

Merlot is one of the primary grape of the Bordeaux region of France and is almost always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. It is similar in flavor to Cabernet Sauvignon but less tannic and softer with silky red plum and black cherry flavor.  Merlot  grows well in cooler climates (like our foothills). By itself, Merlot has a rich, floral and earthy bouquet, with vibrant red to purple hues.

Our 2007 Merlot is medium bodied and has aromas of smoky toffee and warm mint. The ripe berry flavors have a fat entry, with a firm spicy  tannic structure that ends in a nice strong finish.

Merlot is versatile and pairs with medium-bodied foods. It is an interesting accompaniment to roasts prepared with  duck, rabbit, and game.. 

 Blends

Tre Stellina

The 2007 Tre Stellina is a unique blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Primitivo, and 5% Grenache, all from vines grown on the estate. The "three little stars" of the Tre Stellina have created a wine that displays aromas of ripe cherry and red berries, with hints of toasty oak from 15 months of French and American barrel aging. On the palate, flavors of dried cherries and strawberries are supported by moderate tannins and elegant balance.

Tre Stellina is ideal with veal or pasta prepared with rich tomato sauces, or ripe creamy cheeses.

Grape's typical characteristics

 

    

Muscat is arguably the oldest cultivated grape. It was mentioned in early Greek writings where Pliny the Elder referred to it as “grape of the bees” due to its honey-like fragrance. Today, it is grown extensively in Mediterranean vineyards and can be found throughout Europe, Asia, Russia, and the Americas. Muscat produces wines that range from dry to sweet with a moderate alcohol content. It is also used to produce the famous sparkling wine Asti Spumante. Muscat pairs well with  fresh raspberries tart, mixed fruit salad, and it is a satisfying partner to caramelized walnuts and soft cheeses.

Our Orange Muscat is distinguished by a heavy citrus nose and finish. It is bottled highly carbonated which is why it still maintains a bit of fizz in the bottle. This carbonic acid gives the "sweet tart" factor.

Grape's typical characteristics

    

 Late Harvest Zinfandels are made from grapes left on the vine longer than normal. The additional four to eight weeks or ripening intensifies the grapes, concentrating the sugars and acids. These late harvest grapes produce a wine with higher residual sugar and a higher alcohol level. Late Harvest Zinfandel displays  rich, ripe plum and slightly raisin-like flavors, and has a port-like quality on the finish.

Late Harvest Zinfandel is designed to be enjoyed after dinner with chocolate and cheese, as one would enjoy port.

Grape's typical characteristics
    

A full-bodied, sweet wine that is the perfect liquid dessert, Port  is traditionally produced by stopping the fermentation of red wine with the addition of brandy when the sugar level is still high. Port has a rich, ripe, cherry and cassis flavor that is a wonderful end-of-the-meal treat. Our Port is produced exclusively with old vine Zinfandel fruit.

Port should be enjoyed with rich, dark chocolate or ripe, blue-veined cheeses like Stilton, Bleu, or creamy Gorgonzola.