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04/04/08 - - Wine Spectator
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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.
A Short Wine Spectator Summary
Guide To Tasting Wine
Guide To Tasting Wine by: Ben BicaisThe basics of tasting wine are relatively simple to learn. Once the fundamentals are mastered, the nuances ...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Wine Spectator Products we recommend
The FTD Golden Daydream Arrangement - Standard
This bouquet is a dream come true. Yellow spider chrysanthemums and yellow lilies are surrounded by yellow alstroemeria, purple liatris and more. A sunny display that is perfect for birthdays, get well wishes, or just spreading some cheer. B23-3488S
Price: 55.99 USD
Headlines on Wine Spectator
A cup of cheer at the Rock (The Star-Ledger)
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:30:51 PDT
Can you get a good bottle of wine at the Rock? -- Paul, Chatham Are you suggesting hockey fans drink anything other than Budweiser, or maybe Molson? Just kidding.
Dining Out / The Holy Grail of wine tastings (Haaretz Daily)
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:22:21 PDT
Wine critics are basically optimists, living for nothing more than the day they'll sit down to a tasting of a major collection of wines and find that each and every wine earns a rave review.
Special sips from inside the tasting room (Seattle Times)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:28:20 PDT
Taste Washington weekend is just ahead, with a full day of seminars Saturday, and a wine-and-food-a-thon Sunday. It's the unofficial kickoff...
Try pleasing whites for less than $10 (Asbury Park Press)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:22:14 PDT
We are shopping for what can feel like the most elusive item of all: a good, well-priced white wine to serve.
Cocoa Farm Mango, Lime & Chilli
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:51:12 PDT
Cocoa Farm have been shyly lurking on our local South Australian Foodland supermarket shelves and decent ‘cellar door’ wineries (such as Penfolds, home of Grange) for a wee while now, but have not been launched or advertised with any fanfare I’ve been aware of. Instead it was the packaging and the flavours that sounded intriguing: Shiraz wine chocolate and Mango, Lime and Chilli ‘no added sugar’ dark chocolate. Luckily too, Cocoa Farm is the only chocolatier in Australia that grow their own co
Angove's Nine Vines Introduced in US (Beverage World)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:29:34 PDT
Angove's Winery , Australia's Quaff Winery of the Year and one of the country's oldest family-owned wineries, announces the US debut of its Nine Vines Wines.
We ain't heavy (The Observer)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:16:01 PDT
Half of Britain seems to have been detoxing over the past month. I've lost count of the number of friends who've told me they've temporarily given up caffeine, alcohol, sugar, red meat and/or dope. At times I've felt like a drug dealer pushing an illicit fix: 'Oh, go on, it's only one glass.
Charles Shaw
Wine Fermentation
Wine Review | Wine Reviews
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
A Short Wine Spectator Summary
Guide To Tasting Wine
Guide To Tasting Wine by: Ben BicaisThe basics of tasting wine are relatively simple to learn. Once the fundamentals are mastered, the nuances ...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Wine Spectator Products we recommend
The FTD Golden Daydream Arrangement - Standard
This bouquet is a dream come true. Yellow spider chrysanthemums and yellow lilies are surrounded by yellow alstroemeria, purple liatris and more. A sunny display that is perfect for birthdays, get well wishes, or just spreading some cheer. B23-3488S
Price: 55.99 USD
Headlines on Wine Spectator
A cup of cheer at the Rock (The Star-Ledger)
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:30:51 PDT
Can you get a good bottle of wine at the Rock? -- Paul, Chatham Are you suggesting hockey fans drink anything other than Budweiser, or maybe Molson? Just kidding.
Dining Out / The Holy Grail of wine tastings (Haaretz Daily)
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:22:21 PDT
Wine critics are basically optimists, living for nothing more than the day they'll sit down to a tasting of a major collection of wines and find that each and every wine earns a rave review.
Special sips from inside the tasting room (Seattle Times)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:28:20 PDT
Taste Washington weekend is just ahead, with a full day of seminars Saturday, and a wine-and-food-a-thon Sunday. It's the unofficial kickoff...
Try pleasing whites for less than $10 (Asbury Park Press)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:22:14 PDT
We are shopping for what can feel like the most elusive item of all: a good, well-priced white wine to serve.
Cocoa Farm Mango, Lime & Chilli
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:51:12 PDT
Cocoa Farm have been shyly lurking on our local South Australian Foodland supermarket shelves and decent ‘cellar door’ wineries (such as Penfolds, home of Grange) for a wee while now, but have not been launched or advertised with any fanfare I’ve been aware of. Instead it was the packaging and the flavours that sounded intriguing: Shiraz wine chocolate and Mango, Lime and Chilli ‘no added sugar’ dark chocolate. Luckily too, Cocoa Farm is the only chocolatier in Australia that grow their own co
Angove's Nine Vines Introduced in US (Beverage World)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:29:34 PDT
Angove's Winery , Australia's Quaff Winery of the Year and one of the country's oldest family-owned wineries, announces the US debut of its Nine Vines Wines.
We ain't heavy (The Observer)
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:16:01 PDT
Half of Britain seems to have been detoxing over the past month. I've lost count of the number of friends who've told me they've temporarily given up caffeine, alcohol, sugar, red meat and/or dope. At times I've felt like a drug dealer pushing an illicit fix: 'Oh, go on, it's only one glass.
Charles Shaw
Wine Fermentation
Wine Review | Wine Reviews
Labels: Wine Source | Wine Spectator
