Grape’s typical characteristics

      

Also called Pinot Gris in France and a relative of Pinot Noir. It is referenced in writings of Roman historians. Yields a subtle and full-bodied white wine, which doesn’t overpower delicate food flavors. It can range from tartly citrus to rich and velvety. Agreeable alone or as a light meal accompaniment.

Pairs well with rice dishes, particularly a creamy white risotto with asparagus. White sauce pastas, lobsters and shellfish with delicate cream sauces are complimented by a good Pinot Gris.

Grape’s typical characteristics

       

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

  Enjoy this nice light red wine with a traditional Italian meal: Pairs well with pizza, steak, lamb and game meats, spicy cappelini puttanesca or any tomato based pastas.

Grape’s typical characteristics

       

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

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

Grape’s typical characteristics

Originally from Spain it is the principal component of the Spanish Rioja wines. Grape is thick skinned and moderate in acid. Bold on the palate and makes for an interesting young wine. Becomes velvety as it ages and can reach great complexity. Often blended with Grenache, Cab Sauv or Monastrell.

Compliments 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.

Grape’s typical characteristics

      

Zinfandel probably originated in Croatia, and it is one of the most widely planted red grapes here in California. Zinfandel became popular in the mid 1800’s 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. A deep purple-red wine that has a full body and usually high in alcohol content. The hot summer days and cool nights are just perfect for Zinfandel in our valley. Some of the oldest vineyards in California are Zinfandel. To use the term old vine the vines have to be at least 40 years old. The Shenandoah Valley has vines up to 140 years old.

Zins pair with bbq foods like chili, burgers and fried chicken, heavy on spice and flavor. It can hold its own out of a plastic glass at a picnic or in fine crystal glass.

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 allowing it to age very well. It is also called Shiraz, a name designated by Australians where the grape succeeds. The California sun and the rocky grounds are perfect for this type of grape, and give it its earthy and dry taste. The Syrah is deeply colored, full bodied, and brimming with structure and elegance. * Syrah has no relation to Petite Syrah. *

Pairs well with grilled and bbq’d meats, pork and venison or fish and poultry that are very light on sauces. Nice with a hunk of rustic bread and olive oil.

Grape’s typical characteristics

      

Cabernet Sauvignon is called the classic Red. It is the hybrid offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, often blended with Merlot and Cab Franc to produce Bordeaux of France. It has vast ranges of quality, of structure, and of maturity and is the perfect wine for aging. Grapes are widely planted all over the world. Produces a highly tannic, full-bodied wine with strong notes of black currants, bell peppers, mint and herbs.

Pairs well with venison, game poultry, lamb, Portobello mushrooms and any grilled meats. After dinner pour with dark and bitter chocolate or cheddar and huntsman cheeses.

Grape’s typical characteristics

Merlot is the leading grape of the Bordeaux region of France and is almost always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. It is similar in flavor to Cab Sauv but less tannic and softer. It’s thinner skinned and more fruit-forward than a Cab; a rich, silky, red plum and black cherry wine with chocolate undertones. Succeeds in cooler climates (like our foothills). By itself Merlot has a rich and floral and earthy bouquet, with vibrant red to purple hues. Argentina, California and South Africa produce great Merlots. In Italy it has been blended with Sangio to create the popular Super Tuscans.

It’s versatile and pairs with medium bodied meals. Pairs well with Mexican foods and Indian coconut curries, as well as duck, rabbit and seafood. Try served with a bbq picnic of hotdogs or hamburgers. Also great with Spaghetti Bolognese.

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 as well as Asia, Russia and the Americas. Produces wines that range from dry to sweet with a high alcohol content. It is also used to produce the famous sparkling wine Asti Spumante. They’re among the most popular in American wines today.

Pairs well with a bowl of fresh tart raspberries and salad. A satisfying partner to caramelized walnuts and soft cheeses.

Grape's typical characteristics

    

 Wine made from grapes left on the vine longer than normal. Varies from 4 – 8 weeks making the wine sweeter because the grape is riper. Same concept as with raisins (high sugar!)

Grape's typical characteristics

    

  A full-bodied, sweet wine that is the perfect liquid dessert. Port wine (also known as Vinho do Porto, Oporto, Porto, and often simply Port) is a sweet Portuguese, fortified wine from the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. Wines in the style of the Portuguese product called port are produced around the world in several countries—most notably Australia, South Africa, India, Canada and the United States. However, under European Union guidelines, only the product from Portugal may be labeled as Port. In the United States, Federal law mandates that the Portuguese-made product be labeled Porto or Vinho do Porto. Port or Porto wines are produced from various types of grapes and then fortified with the addition of distilled grape spirits, often cognac, in order to boost the alcohol content.
It’s great with chocolate or cigars or well-aged cheeses such as bleu cheese.