Prior to 1998, CA Zinfandel was the most widely planted grape in the state. Post-prohibition many common people believed it to be a native California grape until DNA testing results came in (and an assist from a little information filled invention called ‘the internet’) showing it to be…
CA Zinfandel
Grenache, Garnacha, Alicante…
Grenache is one of the most widely planted grapes in the whole world, and in turn goes by a number of names: Grenache Noir, Garnacha tinto, Garnatxa negre, Grenache Blanc, Alicante, Carignane rosso, GSM, Navarra, Redondal, Rhone Blend, Rosé of Grenache, Roussillon…the actual list spans around 55+ known…
CA Wine: The Earliest Days
California wine is well-known globally. A long, rich history is the backbone of the operation. Although much of the global stance got it’s footing post-prohibition, European immigrants long before modern winemakers saw gold in the soils and climate of modern-day CA. Although the official birthdate of California wine…
California’s Native Grape
It’s California Wine Month! What better way to celebrate than to kick it off by learning about California’s native grape. It is a common misunderstanding that Zinfandel is the native California grape. In fact, Zinfandel is actually Primitivo from Italy – or wait… is Primitivo Zinfandel from California? …
Wine? In Illinois!?
Happy Illinois Wine Month! Yes. It’s actually a thing, and it should be. Illinois has their first documented winery and vineyard planting dating back to 1851 and by 1880 had over 660 acres planted with 40 operating fine wine cellars. The story of Illinois wine is a story…
WA Cabernet Sauvignon
In celebration of Washington Wine Month (August) and International Cabernet Day, let’s take a look at a few Cabs from Washington that made the state internationally recognized. While Washington wasn’t built on a foundation of Cab, Merlot and Syrah, those red varieties have come to dominate in the…
All About Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir (literally: Black Pine, due to the grapes color and cluster looking like a black pine cone), is one of the most globally popular grapes, has a long growing history pre-dating the Roman Empire, and could be upwards of 1,000 years older than the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. …
Decoded: Wine Serving Temps
It is well-known and spoken about in the wine community: Americans drink their whites too cold; their reds too warm. While this is a grossly generalized statement, it exists for a reason. For example, when you dine out at a restaurant, the white wines are sitting in a…
International Rosé Day!!!
This past June we did a small info piece on What is Rosé that looked at the 3 methods in which rosé wines are created (contact, saignée, and blending). Rosé sales and importing into the US are at an all time high, and continue to keep growing. In…
