Category: Varietal of the Month

Bottles-of-Merlot-in-a-row-in-old-bird-bath-with-plants-and-wood-fence-in-background

Merlot: Varietal of the Month

After years of being maligned due to the preferences of a grumpy character in the movie Sideways, Merlot is back. Again. Merlot never went away really, it’s just been patiently waiting for you to rediscover its many charms. Dark and...

/ September 29, 2020
Chardonnay bottles in a row on a table with Paradise Ridge,Jigar, Dutton Estate, Sbragia and Gary Farrell

Chardonnay: Varietal of the Month

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most planted white grapes. Its many styles, from creamy to bright, oaked or unoaked , make it a versatile choice for a variety of pairings. Chardonnay is typically full to medium in body and...

/ August 26, 2020
Bottles of Pinot Noir on a deck with blocks spelling out Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir: Varietal of the Month

Here in Sonoma County, in the Russian River Valley and along the Sonoma Coast, we have some of world’s best vineyards and growing conditions for producing classic Pinot Noir of elegance and complexity.

/ July 27, 2020
Zinfandel bottles lined-up against a toy fire truck

Zinfandel: Varietal of the Month

It’s getting hot in here! So let’s open up all the Zin’s! Although Zinfandel originated in Croatia where it’s known as Tribidrag—the grape is embraced as All-American and has been grown and cultivated in California since the 1800’s. This medium-bodied...

/ July 1, 2020
Bottles of Rose wine lined up on a bench with a white lily in the background

Rosé: Wine of the Month

Strawberries cherries and an angel’s kiss in springMy summer wine is really made from all these things Those are the opening lines to Nancy Sinatra’s song, Summer Wine written by Lee Hazlewood. And how apt the lyrics are in capturing...

/ April 14, 2020
Row of Sangiovese bottles on a barrel head with river rocks in the foreground

Sangiovese: Varietal of the Month

Summer is the season of the grill and a great red wine for pairing with things from the BBQ is Sangiovese. Originating in Italy, Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin  —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. This medium-bodied...

/ April 14, 2020
Grenache bottles on a fence with flowers in the background

Grenache: Varietal of the Month

Grenache or Granacha as it’s known in Spain, 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...

/ March 24, 2020
Line of Sauvignon Blanc bottles on table

Sauvignon Blanc: Varietal of the Month

Widely planted around the world, Sauvignon Blanc has an array of styles from lean and bright, to juicy and plush. Sauvignon Blanc typically offers great aromatics and flavors that range from zesty citrus, to tart apple, to creamy peach and...

/ February 24, 2020
Bottles of Barbera wine sitting next to pink flowers

Barbera: Varietal of the Month

Barbera, a variety native to Italy, can vary in flavor depending on where it’s grown; be it warm or cool climate, and how it is produced. Wines from cool climes tend to display brighter tart red fruits and warmer climes...

/ January 28, 2020
Malbecs lined up on a counter

Malbec: Varietal of the Month

When we think of Malbec the first thing that may come to mind is Argentina. But the variety actually originated in the Cahors region of France and is one of the building blocks of Boudreaux blends. But Malbec from the...

/ December 30, 2019