Varietals

An Italian variety that produces wine with an intense, ruby-red color, mouth-filling fruit and intense flavor. Its berry flavors, medium body and low tannin levels, make it enjoyable with or without food. Its high acid levels bring out the crispness of the wine. In Italy this robust wine with its strong character is the classic "mealtime" wine. A better quality red table wine, high in acidity, resembles Piedmont's type of Italian Barberone.

Originally from the Bordeaux Region of France, and similar in structure and flavor to Cabernet Sauvignon, this grape varietal has fewer tannins, is less acidic, and generally not quite as full-bodied as Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc makes a medium - bodied wine with a strong nose reflecting blackberry, strawberry or currant, with a slight tobacco flavor. The blend of earthiness and fruitiness is complemented by its usual soft tannin and soft mouth feel. Excellent fruit, good enough to be made straight, and excellent for blending! In Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is most often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Originally from the Bordeaux region of France. The "Jewel" in California's Crown! This varietal grape produces a medium to full-bodied, densely-colored wine, with a distinctive black currant aroma. Fruity, berry flavor with some pepper. A true Cabernet unblended, is austerely tannin, characterized by the flavor of tea or herbs. Lightly oaked it can have a sweet vanilla finish, or heavily oaked it can have a cigar box finish. Cabernet's complexity makes it an excellent varietal for blending.

In French it means "young blackbird," probably because of its dark-blue color. It produces wines generally softer, with higher alcohol content, rounded and more supple than Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruity, full-bodied, with dark color, and characteristics of black currant, cherry, and mint. Excellent straight or blended, and can usually be enjoyed much earlier than Cabernets.

50 Year Old Vines. This hearty, dark ruby-colored red wine is filled with fruit, tannin, depth and complexity, with aromas of cherry, plum and chocolate. This sumptuous jam-like wine offers soft tannins and a smooth finish. Ideal for long aging.

People who love a BIG RED WINE, will like this flavorful and bold wine. A varietal grape that produces a dry, full-bodied, tannin wine; dark and inky, with spicy, ripe fruit flavors. Excellent with big, well-seasoned meals, grilled meats and stews. A relative of the Durif grape. Some say Petite Sirah has no relation to Syrah. Good for color & firmness in blends.

Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to grow and make into fine wine, but is one of the very best when done properly. It has very specific requirements for its growing conditions. It needs warm days and cool nights, and that is why the Russian River Valley, with its Region I climate is a great area for Pinot Noir. This varietal has low amounts of tannin and relatively high acid levels for a red grape, resulting in a sweet fruitiness. Pinot can taste of raspberries, strawberries, or cherries. Pinot Noir found its fame in the Burgundy region of France, where it is the primary grape used for red wines. All Burgundy wines from France are made from Pinot Noir.

Sangiovese is the principal red wine grape of Tuscany and the predominant grape in Italian wines such as Chianti Classico. This well-balanced, medium-bodied wine will enhance any meal, with flavors of cherry, vanilla, spice, and chocolate. Ideally blended with Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah or Zinfandel. See Super Tuscan section.

Syrah is a deep-colored red wine, rich in tannins and high in acidity. This varietal is known for its spicy blackberry, plum and peppery flavors and aromas. Warmer climates bring out the mellow flavors of plum, while cooler climates bring out spicy characteristics. Syrah pairs well with hearty foods and spicy foods. Great with Mexican food. Make it straight or use it in any blend

Zinfandel is the most widely planted grape in California, because it bears fruit well, and is very versatile. Zinfandel yields a dry, full-bodied, intensely flavored red wine with substantial tannins, forward fruit flavors, and peppery overtones. The Amador region is famous for their Zinfandel..."the real gold from gold country."

This premier California varietal grape yields a full-bodied, moderately acidic, dry austere wine that is magnificent with "light" foods, including rich cream sauces, or with fruit or cheese.

Pinot Grigio originated from France's Alsace region. This varietal can produce soft, gently perfumed wine, with more substance and color than most whites. Styles vary from crisp, light and dry, to rich, fat and honeyed.

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, dry white varietal. Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes said to be more popular with experienced wine lovers because of its pronounced flavors of garden herbs or new-mown grass or hay. The wine should be clean and refreshing on the palate, with lively acidity, definitely made for the dining room...with seafood, fowl or white meat.

Viognier, a very fashionable grape of the 1990's. These grapes are deep yellow, resulting in wine high in color and alcohol, with aromas and flavors of apricots, peaches, and orange blossoms. This varietal is low in acid, soft yet full-bodied.

60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Grigio. A light, refreshing wine with a clean and crisp finish. The taste of melons and berries appear throughout the finish.

80% Barbera / 20% Petite Sirah or Syrah.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc. Coined "Matthew's Favorite," in memory of a former wine school owner, Matthew Picerno who perished in 911. A wine with unique character, like Matthew.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Typical Bordeaux style wine blend (without Cabernet Franc). Cabernet's complexity, makes it an excellent varietal for blending. When blended with the Merlot grape, a softer and more subtle Cabernet emerges without giving up its character.

50% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 20% Syrah. A wonderful new blend recently created by one of our students. Makes a fruity, full bodied wine with deep, rich color.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah. An excellent blend of two world-class wines.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Zinfandel. The addition of Old Vine Zinfandel will soften the Cabernet and make the wine drinkable earlier.

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Typical Bordeaux blend. A combination of 3 world famous grapes.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend has been continually great. The addition of the Cabernet adds more body to the wine.

Typically 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are several customizable variations to this blend that can be adjusted to your palate! This one being the most popular.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. For those looking for a bit more body out of the Tuscan Style.

70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot

70% Sangiovese and 30% Syrah. Full bodied, with tropical fruit, citrus and banana.

50% Sangiovese and 50% Zinfandel; a unique blend with more zip to it!

70% Syrah and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Similar to the great Australian blend, Shiraz / Cabernet.

Be creative...make your own blend from one of our varietals offered.