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The wines produced from the vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley, home to some of the oldest vines in California, are renowned for their intense fruit and deep color. Our winemaker, George Bursick, has added his extensive experience and discerning palate to create wines of intensity with elegance. Starting with rich, mature fruit, he creates our wines in a style that displays both richness and balance. Extended oak aging on our red varietals ensures wines of depth and complexity. Our white varietals receive no oak aging, to preserve their fruit character and freshness. At Villa Toscano, we proudly present the traditional head-pruned, dry-farmed Zinfandels alongside the newer, innovative Italian varietals for which the region is becoming so well-known. We take great pride in producing world-class wine that reflect the individuality of our unique growing region.
White Wines
Chardonnay
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Grape’s typical characteristics
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This widely known white varietal is originally from the Burgundy region of
Chardonnay pairs well with poultry, white meats, and firm-fleshed fish. Its richness stands up well to full-flavored sauces and ripe, pungent cheese. |
Viognier
Grape’s typical characteristics With origins in Dalmatia ( Viognier pairs well with lobster and rich, buttery seafood. It can handle smoky-flavored foods and works well with pungent salads, and cheeses. It is also an interesting match with ripe, exotic fruits.
Pinot Grigio
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.
Red Wines
Sangiovese
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.
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Barbera
Grape’s typical characteristics  |
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. |
Tempranillo
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.
Zinfandel
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 the California 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.
Syrah
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. Syrah pairs well with grilled and barbequed meats, pork, and venison.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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. 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.
Merlot
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. Merlot is versatile and pairs with medium-bodied foods. It is an interesting accompaniment to roasts prepared with duck, rabbit, and game..
Dessert Wines
Orange Muscat
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.
Late Harvest Zinfandel
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.
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.
