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November 2008 - Total Wine
The Best Articles on Total Wine
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pinot Noir fan, I really enjoy exploring new, interesting wines from this region.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
Another short Total Wine review
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pino...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Total Wine Items For Viewing
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
"One of the greatest 1961s, La Mission-Haut-Brion has been fabulous to drink for the last 5-10 years. Where well-stored, this wine will continue to drink well for 10-20 years. It is more developed and drinkable than the 1959, and it remains a thick, rich, super-aromatic wine with a textbook Graves bouquet of tobacco, barbecued meats, minerals, spices, and sweet red and black fruits. It is dense, full-bodied, alcoholic, and super-rich. This soft, opulently-textured wine makes for a fabulous drink. Absolutely stunning! Last tasted 10/94" RP - 100 (Subject to Availability) LMHB61 LMHB61
Price: 2501.99 USD
Current Total Wine News
William Fevre 2006 Fourchaume Vignoble de Vaulorent Chablis - Chardonnay White Wine
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:27:34 -0800
White Wine by William Fevre from Burgundy, France - regions. Good pale color. Reserved aromas of citrus peel and powdered stone. Rich, silky and fairly large-scaled but with a dense minerally character keeping the wine quite fresh. This boasts almost grand cru-like size and breadth. A powerful, minerally wine with a very long, rising finish that saturates the palate with dusty stone. William Fevre is the largest owner of Fourchaume, with 3.63 hectares of vines in eight parcels. The selection
Eco-Pregnancy Makes for Healthy Babies
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:22:06 -0800
Many women discover the green lifestyle when they are expecting, or become moms. Wanting to do the best you can for your child includes considerations that you make before your baby is even born – after all, that’s why you’ve given up wine, right? Everyone knows that eating right and getting enough rest will help both mother and baby be healthy, but the green movement has opened our eyes to the effects that the world around us can have as well. Back in 2005, a frightening study by the Environm
L2O Wine Blog
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:32:26 -0800
It has always been one of our goals to develop a wine blog to share information with our guests about our wine service as this blog shares information about the food. A restaurant opening takes a lot of the personal time from each of us working here. When things settle in and begin to run smoothly, then there is the time to expand ourselves into new projects. Chantelle and Doug, our sommeliers, are running the wine program at L2O. They are the experts who will share their daily experiences a
CALGARY: Bogey-free, birdie-full back nine
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:06:43 -0800
CALGARY: Bogey-free, birdie-full back nine November 17th, 2008 I have no idea what that title means, but it sounds all golf-y, doesn’t it? I don’t golf, but I eat, and I have friends who like to organize going-away parties (we miss you already, Rick!) at the Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club. The golf club’s dining room — decorated on the other side of the ’90s — is actually open to the public, so you don’t need a club membership to enjoy some basic, but decent casual dining at prices I hav
Top NCAA Upperclassmen Draft Prospects
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:17:44 -0800
by Jeff Fox Basketball is a game for the kids. If you aren’t a household name among the hoops-heads by the time you hit your early teens–like LeBron and O.J.–your chances of stardom are diminished. If you haven’t made it big by your early 20s, your best case option would be hanging up the high-tops and writing a draft column for SLAMonline (not naming any names of course). NBA draft prospects are the opposite of wine–they don’t get better with age. If a prospect lasts more than a season in co
Santorini Sailing - Luxury Sunset And Daytime Cruises
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:35:34 -0800
Santorini Sailing - Luxury Sunset And Daytime Cruises By Zenia Porth Greece is perfect for sailing holidays as with over 1,000 islands and many ports you have the opportunity to sail as long as you like and stop whenever you like. The weather is calm and the sea is safe therefore you need no much experience for the sailing holiday of your life. With sailing you can explore the most beautiful beaches, visit small uninhabited islands and stop for snorkelling in the most beautiful places. While
Champagne Bottles
Wine Drink
Wine Stain
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pinot Noir fan, I really enjoy exploring new, interesting wines from this region.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
Carneros is an example of an AVA that has a more uniform terroir than most. Whereas the borders of some AVAs have been extended beyond their natural climactic boundaries because of politics and influence, Carneros resisted this all too common tendency.
History
During the Spanish era of California, the region was a natural place for settlement in the North Bay due to its proximity to San Francisco, and accessibility by water routes. When General Vallejo secularized the Spanish Missions in 1834, he divided the region amongst several of his cronies. The area was initially developed to produce subsistence crops and livestock.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and Carneros Wineries flourished for many decades until phylloxera devastated the region's grapes along with most vineyards throughout California.
Prohibition appeared to be the last nail in the coffin for Carneros Wineries. After this unfortunate law's repeal, Andre Tchelistcheff and Louis M. Martini took an interest in the region's unique climate. Investment in Carneros Wineries was slow until the 1970s when it began to surge with the rest of the Napa Valley.
Terroir
Regular fog derived from the San Pablo Bay and Napa River has a cooling effect on the region. Wind is a constant factor, and it blows relatively unobstructed throughout most of the AVA.
Additionally, rainfall is relatively scarce, causing most Carneros Wineries and growers to irrigate their crops. The lack of abundant fresh water as well as the encroachment of sea water into some parts of the ground inhibit rampant vineyard expansion.
As one moves north from the San Pablo Bay, rolling hills begin to replace the extremely flat terrain in the south. There are a few hills that rise to 1000 feet, but they do little to shield the wind and fog. Because of Carneros' consistant climate, certain varietals grow in a very methodical manner.
A multitude of fossilized sea life exists in the soil, and is reminiscent of when the San Pablo Bay covered much of the region. The soil has relatively low fertility, giving grape vines only enough nourishment to focus on scarce, concentrated fruit. The soils of Carneros are generally made of relatively compact clay and are quite shallow.
Varietals, Wines, and Wineries
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite compatible with the terroir of Carneros, and the AVA produces some great examples of these two varietals. About 80% of the grapes produced here are either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Carneros Wineries also produce some excellent sparkling wines. Some parts of the region have also had a degree of success producing Merlot and Syrah in the northern, slightly warmer parts of the AVA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ben Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and is the webmaster of http://www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com
Another short Total Wine review
Carneros Wineries And Wine Country
Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pino...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Total Wine Items For Viewing
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
Price: 2501.99 USD
Current Total Wine News
William Fevre 2006 Fourchaume Vignoble de Vaulorent Chablis - Chardonnay White Wine
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:27:34 -0800
White Wine by William Fevre from Burgundy, France - regions. Good pale color. Reserved aromas of citrus peel and powdered stone. Rich, silky and fairly large-scaled but with a dense minerally character keeping the wine quite fresh. This boasts almost grand cru-like size and breadth. A powerful, minerally wine with a very long, rising finish that saturates the palate with dusty stone. William Fevre is the largest owner of Fourchaume, with 3.63 hectares of vines in eight parcels. The selection
Eco-Pregnancy Makes for Healthy Babies
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:22:06 -0800
Many women discover the green lifestyle when they are expecting, or become moms. Wanting to do the best you can for your child includes considerations that you make before your baby is even born – after all, that’s why you’ve given up wine, right? Everyone knows that eating right and getting enough rest will help both mother and baby be healthy, but the green movement has opened our eyes to the effects that the world around us can have as well. Back in 2005, a frightening study by the Environm
L2O Wine Blog
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:32:26 -0800
It has always been one of our goals to develop a wine blog to share information with our guests about our wine service as this blog shares information about the food. A restaurant opening takes a lot of the personal time from each of us working here. When things settle in and begin to run smoothly, then there is the time to expand ourselves into new projects. Chantelle and Doug, our sommeliers, are running the wine program at L2O. They are the experts who will share their daily experiences a
CALGARY: Bogey-free, birdie-full back nine
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:06:43 -0800
CALGARY: Bogey-free, birdie-full back nine November 17th, 2008 I have no idea what that title means, but it sounds all golf-y, doesn’t it? I don’t golf, but I eat, and I have friends who like to organize going-away parties (we miss you already, Rick!) at the Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club. The golf club’s dining room — decorated on the other side of the ’90s — is actually open to the public, so you don’t need a club membership to enjoy some basic, but decent casual dining at prices I hav
Top NCAA Upperclassmen Draft Prospects
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:17:44 -0800
by Jeff Fox Basketball is a game for the kids. If you aren’t a household name among the hoops-heads by the time you hit your early teens–like LeBron and O.J.–your chances of stardom are diminished. If you haven’t made it big by your early 20s, your best case option would be hanging up the high-tops and writing a draft column for SLAMonline (not naming any names of course). NBA draft prospects are the opposite of wine–they don’t get better with age. If a prospect lasts more than a season in co
Santorini Sailing - Luxury Sunset And Daytime Cruises
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:35:34 -0800
Santorini Sailing - Luxury Sunset And Daytime Cruises By Zenia Porth Greece is perfect for sailing holidays as with over 1,000 islands and many ports you have the opportunity to sail as long as you like and stop whenever you like. The weather is calm and the sea is safe therefore you need no much experience for the sailing holiday of your life. With sailing you can explore the most beautiful beaches, visit small uninhabited islands and stop for snorkelling in the most beautiful places. While
Champagne Bottles
Wine Drink
Wine Stain
Labels: Tasting Notes
