Category: Varietal of the Month

Varietal of the Month: Orange Wine
Orange wines aka skin-contact or amber wines are having a moment —an ongoing moment that started 8,000 years ago. Simply put, orange wines are white grape varieties made in the manner of red wines with extended contact on the skins,...

Varietal of the Month: Zinfandel
You can’t come to Sonoma and not taste Zinfandel. Well, you could but why would you? Especially since the area is one of the premier Zinfandel growing regions where the grape has been grown since the 1800’s. Zinfandel is a...

Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged...

Wine Style of the Month: Rosé
Are you ready to Think Pink? It’s time to roll out the Rosé and slip into the warm embrace of summertime. Although Rosé has become a year-round choice—it shines brightest in the summer. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry,...

Varietal of the Month: Chenin Blanc
Have you noticed that Chenin Blanc is having a moment? Its popularity has surged lately and seems to be on every wine list by the glass and bottle. It’s a versatile white wine with great texture that can vary in...

Varietal of the Month: Grenache
Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown....

Varietal of the Month: Sangiovese
Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. A mainstay of Italy, it’s a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried tomato, cigar box, black...

Style of the Month: Port and Late Harvest
Port style and Late Harvest wines have sweeter profiles than other wines. Port, is traditionally made with Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Alcohol, usually grape brandy, is added during fermentation, which fortifies the...

Style of the Month: Sparkling
Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. Sparkling wines come in a range of sweetness levels the most popular style is...

Cabernet Franc: Varietal of the Month
Have you noticed everybody is talking about Cabernet Franc lately? It’s no surprise—Cabernet Franc has medium body and moderate tannin and acidity with great texture that makes it a worthy addition to the dinner table. Cabernet Franc offers up the...