Listen in, as a grower and I talk dirt…Some of the best dirt in California!

In the heart of the Sierra Foothills, (southeast of Sacramento) lies is an absolute gem of a vineyard. It’s very sight specific, meaning, I could go one mile east, west, north or south and I’m not going to find the quality of grapes that I stumbled onto years ago from this special vineyard.

Tempranillo

This grape, famous from the Rioja region of North central Spain. (My Tempranillo is from the Sierra Foothills as per above video) Known for its delicate flavors of tobacco leather and vanilla.

Most wine lovers consider this a smooth wine yet rich in mouthfeel due to the ellagic (smooth) tannins that give the wine a solid feel but nuanced with a medium body.  Oak is on display with baking spices and pepper in the notes of ripe berries.  No additive, healthy red wine that will soothe the soul!

                                                                          Touriga

Touriga Nacional, Portugal’s pride, shines as the cornerstone of Port wines. This special vineyard (see video above) planted these grapes here in the Shenandoah Valley of the Sierra foothills of California over 20 years ago.

I produce this top-notch grape as a cross between a Malbec and a robust Cabernet. Lots of dark fruit, spice, and leather notes, be prepared for firm tannins. Interestingly, it has now become a rising star among Bordeaux varietals. If muscle with nuance is enticing to you…This is a must try wine! No additive, healthy red wine to enjoy with a beautifully marbled Rib Eye or a savory  Rigatoni alla Bolognese!

Primitivo

It took me a while to pull the trigger on these grapes. The origin is from the Puglia region of Italy. (My Primitivo is from the Sierra Foothills of California, see video above) I have tried lots of Primitivo from Puglia and most are good but lack the richness that I was looking for. Genetic testing says that this is the parent vine of the prolific Zinfandel grape of California.

Sooo…I decided to invest in some tonnage of this Primitivo and have been able to coax out of it the richness of a Zinfandel but with more complexity of typical one note Zins…not knocking Zin but this really is the parent of Zinfandel, and it shows. Elegant, smooth and soft finish are the best descriptors I keep hearing from my clients. This is an everyday drinker! No additive, healthy red wine to enjoy with a light dish Fettuccini con Marinara or a Margherita pizza! Bon Appetit.