5:26 AM
2008 - Wine Enthusiast
Today's Wine Enthusiast Article
Sonoma Valley Wineries And Wines
Although many AVAs in Sonoma County are well-known for one or two specific varietals, the Sonoma Valley enjoys diverse terroir, and successfully grows many different grape types. The Sonoma Valley AVA was established in 1982, and is approximately 160 square miles. About 28,000 acres are planted with vineyards.
History
The history of viticulture in the Sonoma Valley began when a Franciscan Padre named Jose Altimira established the Sonoma Mission in 1823. This was the last, and northernmost Spanish Mission built in California. Altimira established the first of the Sonoma Valley Wineries, and simple wines were produced for ecclesiastical purposes.
After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1835, General Vallejo was sent by the new government to secularize the Sonoma Mission and its surrounding properties. The Bear Flag Revolt occured 11 years later, and authority shifted to the United States Government shortly thereafter.
Agaston Harazsthy founded the first commercial Sonoma Valley Winery in 1857. Harazsthy experimented with different vitis vinifera varietals and greatly increased the perception of the Sonoma Valley as a quality wine region. Although Harazsthy's winery ultimately went bankrupt, it laid the foundation for future wine producers. Because of his contributions to Sonoma viticulture, Harazsthy is known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".
The combined devastation of Phylloxera and Prohibition eliminated all but the most hearty and innovative Sonoma Valley Wineries. Sebastiani was able to persevere due to a contract with the Church to make wine. However, most vineyards were converted to other crops or used to raise livestock.
Despite the fact that the Sonoma Valley AVA has a long history of winemaking, it was not until the 1970s that quality wine production became widespread. The legacy of Phylloxera and Prohibition caused the region to stagnate for over a generation. Between the repeal of Prohibition and the renaissance of the 1970s, Sonoma Valley Wineries primarily produced jug wine.
During the 1970s, renowned wineries such as Gundlach-Bundschu, and Chateau St. Jean experimented successfully with several different varietals. As a result, one varietal does not dominate production as Cabernet Sauvignon does in the Rutherford and Oakville AVAs.
Terroir
The terroir of the Sonoma Valley AVA is dominated by unpredictable fog patterns. A substantial amount of fog from the Southern San Pablo Bay regularly covers the region. Additionally, a lesser amount of fog creeps through a gap in the mountains near Santa Rosa in the north.
The Southern Sonoma Valley is very cool and includes the eastern part of the Carneros AVA. Temperature steadily rise as one travels north. The town of Sonoma is located about one-third of the way north within the AVA and has a moderate, pleasant climate. The northern towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are substantially warmer.
Wines, Wineries, and Varietals
As alluded to earlier, unpredictable fog patterns make it difficult to typecast specific areas in the Sonoma Valley AVA as being suited to particular varietals. Although exceptions abound, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay generally thrive in the southern part of the Appellation. At the same time, there are areas around Kenwood in the northern part of the AVA that produce great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley varies dramatically from the south to the north. Northern Pinots have almost Rhone-like characteristics, while southern Pinots are lighter and more reminiscent of production from the Russian River Valley.
The eastern hills of the valley below Sonoma Mountain are increasingly best known for Zinfandel. McCrea Vineyards is an exceptional example of this production. While great Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found on the Eastern Sonoma Mountain, Louis M Martini's Monte Rosso in the Western Mayacamas Mountains has arguably been the most consistently excellent Cab grown by any Sonoma Valley Winery. Exceptional Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in the Sonoma Valley AVA.
History
The history of viticulture in the Sonoma Valley began when a Franciscan Padre named Jose Altimira established the Sonoma Mission in 1823. This was the last, and northernmost Spanish Mission built in California. Altimira established the first of the Sonoma Valley Wineries, and simple wines were produced for ecclesiastical purposes.
After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1835, General Vallejo was sent by the new government to secularize the Sonoma Mission and its surrounding properties. The Bear Flag Revolt occured 11 years later, and authority shifted to the United States Government shortly thereafter.
Agaston Harazsthy founded the first commercial Sonoma Valley Winery in 1857. Harazsthy experimented with different vitis vinifera varietals and greatly increased the perception of the Sonoma Valley as a quality wine region. Although Harazsthy's winery ultimately went bankrupt, it laid the foundation for future wine producers. Because of his contributions to Sonoma viticulture, Harazsthy is known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".
The combined devastation of Phylloxera and Prohibition eliminated all but the most hearty and innovative Sonoma Valley Wineries. Sebastiani was able to persevere due to a contract with the Church to make wine. However, most vineyards were converted to other crops or used to raise livestock.
Despite the fact that the Sonoma Valley AVA has a long history of winemaking, it was not until the 1970s that quality wine production became widespread. The legacy of Phylloxera and Prohibition caused the region to stagnate for over a generation. Between the repeal of Prohibition and the renaissance of the 1970s, Sonoma Valley Wineries primarily produced jug wine.
During the 1970s, renowned wineries such as Gundlach-Bundschu, and Chateau St. Jean experimented successfully with several different varietals. As a result, one varietal does not dominate production as Cabernet Sauvignon does in the Rutherford and Oakville AVAs.
Terroir
The terroir of the Sonoma Valley AVA is dominated by unpredictable fog patterns. A substantial amount of fog from the Southern San Pablo Bay regularly covers the region. Additionally, a lesser amount of fog creeps through a gap in the mountains near Santa Rosa in the north.
The Southern Sonoma Valley is very cool and includes the eastern part of the Carneros AVA. Temperature steadily rise as one travels north. The town of Sonoma is located about one-third of the way north within the AVA and has a moderate, pleasant climate. The northern towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are substantially warmer.
Wines, Wineries, and Varietals
As alluded to earlier, unpredictable fog patterns make it difficult to typecast specific areas in the Sonoma Valley AVA as being suited to particular varietals. Although exceptions abound, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay generally thrive in the southern part of the Appellation. At the same time, there are areas around Kenwood in the northern part of the AVA that produce great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley varies dramatically from the south to the north. Northern Pinots have almost Rhone-like characteristics, while southern Pinots are lighter and more reminiscent of production from the Russian River Valley.
The eastern hills of the valley below Sonoma Mountain are increasingly best known for Zinfandel. McCrea Vineyards is an exceptional example of this production. While great Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found on the Eastern Sonoma Mountain, Louis M Martini's Monte Rosso in the Western Mayacamas Mountains has arguably been the most consistently excellent Cab grown by any Sonoma Valley Winery. Exceptional Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in the Sonoma Valley AVA.
Another short Wine Enthusiast review
Sonoma Valley Wineries And Wines
Although many AVAs in Sonoma County are well-known for one or two specific varietals, the Sonoma Valley enjoys diverse terroir, and successfully grows...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Wine Enthusiast Products we recommend
Vacu Vin Rapid Ice Instant Wine Cooler
Original Rapid Ice wine coolers from Vacu-Vin. Serve chilled white wines and icy cold beer or soda at a moment's notice. Store Rapid Ice in your freezer slip it over the bottle for 5 minutes et voila! it's ready to drink. Rapid Ice keeps drinks ice cold for up to 3 hours without messy ice. <br
Price: 11.95 USD
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Ties and socks are Father’s Day presents of the past. Look to the future of Father’s Day gifts with junk food baskets, sports baskets, Fruit of the Month Clubs, and our special Father’s Day wine and beer baskets. Fresh fruit baskets, wine gifts, and chocolate gift baskets will have your dad smiling on this Father’s Day. Father’s Day gifts are not hard to find at Ruma’s. Our Father’s Days gifts include golf baskets, football baskets, baseball baskets, and more. Send a gift basket and say Thanks
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Great Wine Gifts for Dad
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Now is the time to thank Dad for all of his of love and support--and for some, perhaps a thank you for imparting his years of wine wisdom. Here are some of our picks to help you do just that. Our picks from Amazon: Metrokane Wine Pourer with Stopper $5 Serve wine with a touch of elegance. The Velvet wine pourer pours smoothly without drips and the stopper seals wine air-tight. Both pieces have an easy-grip velvet finish. The World Atlas of Wine $32 Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again com
Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 3 Yr 42 Issues - $13.40
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Discuss | Save | Email | More Deals Like This 2.2 hours old 5 replies 139 views McCain Stickers/other deal or coupon code by kenseth1717at Slickdeals Free Stuff
Long List of restaurants with Free Food and Special Offers when Sign up
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Discuss | Save | Email | More Deals Like This 7.2 hours old 7 replies 529 views Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 3 Yr 42 Issues - $13.40 deal or coupon code by UkieAndrewat FatWallet Hot Deals
Elderberry Wine
Wine Vineyards
Pot Rack | Quality Wine
Sonoma Valley Wineries And Wines
Although many AVAs in Sonoma County are well-known for one or two specific varietals, the Sonoma Valley enjoys diverse terroir, and successfully grows many different grape types. The Sonoma Valley AVA was established in 1982, and is approximately 160 square miles. About 28,000 acres are planted with vineyards.
History
The history of viticulture in the Sonoma Valley began when a Franciscan Padre named Jose Altimira established the Sonoma Mission in 1823. This was the last, and northernmost Spanish Mission built in California. Altimira established the first of the Sonoma Valley Wineries, and simple wines were produced for ecclesiastical purposes.
After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1835, General Vallejo was sent by the new government to secularize the Sonoma Mission and its surrounding properties. The Bear Flag Revolt occured 11 years later, and authority shifted to the United States Government shortly thereafter.
Agaston Harazsthy founded the first commercial Sonoma Valley Winery in 1857. Harazsthy experimented with different vitis vinifera varietals and greatly increased the perception of the Sonoma Valley as a quality wine region. Although Harazsthy's winery ultimately went bankrupt, it laid the foundation for future wine producers. Because of his contributions to Sonoma viticulture, Harazsthy is known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".
The combined devastation of Phylloxera and Prohibition eliminated all but the most hearty and innovative Sonoma Valley Wineries. Sebastiani was able to persevere due to a contract with the Church to make wine. However, most vineyards were converted to other crops or used to raise livestock.
Despite the fact that the Sonoma Valley AVA has a long history of winemaking, it was not until the 1970s that quality wine production became widespread. The legacy of Phylloxera and Prohibition caused the region to stagnate for over a generation. Between the repeal of Prohibition and the renaissance of the 1970s, Sonoma Valley Wineries primarily produced jug wine.
During the 1970s, renowned wineries such as Gundlach-Bundschu, and Chateau St. Jean experimented successfully with several different varietals. As a result, one varietal does not dominate production as Cabernet Sauvignon does in the Rutherford and Oakville AVAs.
Terroir
The terroir of the Sonoma Valley AVA is dominated by unpredictable fog patterns. A substantial amount of fog from the Southern San Pablo Bay regularly covers the region. Additionally, a lesser amount of fog creeps through a gap in the mountains near Santa Rosa in the north.
The Southern Sonoma Valley is very cool and includes the eastern part of the Carneros AVA. Temperature steadily rise as one travels north. The town of Sonoma is located about one-third of the way north within the AVA and has a moderate, pleasant climate. The northern towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are substantially warmer.
Wines, Wineries, and Varietals
As alluded to earlier, unpredictable fog patterns make it difficult to typecast specific areas in the Sonoma Valley AVA as being suited to particular varietals. Although exceptions abound, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay generally thrive in the southern part of the Appellation. At the same time, there are areas around Kenwood in the northern part of the AVA that produce great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley varies dramatically from the south to the north. Northern Pinots have almost Rhone-like characteristics, while southern Pinots are lighter and more reminiscent of production from the Russian River Valley.
The eastern hills of the valley below Sonoma Mountain are increasingly best known for Zinfandel. McCrea Vineyards is an exceptional example of this production. While great Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found on the Eastern Sonoma Mountain, Louis M Martini's Monte Rosso in the Western Mayacamas Mountains has arguably been the most consistently excellent Cab grown by any Sonoma Valley Winery. Exceptional Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in the Sonoma Valley AVA.
History
The history of viticulture in the Sonoma Valley began when a Franciscan Padre named Jose Altimira established the Sonoma Mission in 1823. This was the last, and northernmost Spanish Mission built in California. Altimira established the first of the Sonoma Valley Wineries, and simple wines were produced for ecclesiastical purposes.
After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1835, General Vallejo was sent by the new government to secularize the Sonoma Mission and its surrounding properties. The Bear Flag Revolt occured 11 years later, and authority shifted to the United States Government shortly thereafter.
Agaston Harazsthy founded the first commercial Sonoma Valley Winery in 1857. Harazsthy experimented with different vitis vinifera varietals and greatly increased the perception of the Sonoma Valley as a quality wine region. Although Harazsthy's winery ultimately went bankrupt, it laid the foundation for future wine producers. Because of his contributions to Sonoma viticulture, Harazsthy is known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".
The combined devastation of Phylloxera and Prohibition eliminated all but the most hearty and innovative Sonoma Valley Wineries. Sebastiani was able to persevere due to a contract with the Church to make wine. However, most vineyards were converted to other crops or used to raise livestock.
Despite the fact that the Sonoma Valley AVA has a long history of winemaking, it was not until the 1970s that quality wine production became widespread. The legacy of Phylloxera and Prohibition caused the region to stagnate for over a generation. Between the repeal of Prohibition and the renaissance of the 1970s, Sonoma Valley Wineries primarily produced jug wine.
During the 1970s, renowned wineries such as Gundlach-Bundschu, and Chateau St. Jean experimented successfully with several different varietals. As a result, one varietal does not dominate production as Cabernet Sauvignon does in the Rutherford and Oakville AVAs.
Terroir
The terroir of the Sonoma Valley AVA is dominated by unpredictable fog patterns. A substantial amount of fog from the Southern San Pablo Bay regularly covers the region. Additionally, a lesser amount of fog creeps through a gap in the mountains near Santa Rosa in the north.
The Southern Sonoma Valley is very cool and includes the eastern part of the Carneros AVA. Temperature steadily rise as one travels north. The town of Sonoma is located about one-third of the way north within the AVA and has a moderate, pleasant climate. The northern towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are substantially warmer.
Wines, Wineries, and Varietals
As alluded to earlier, unpredictable fog patterns make it difficult to typecast specific areas in the Sonoma Valley AVA as being suited to particular varietals. Although exceptions abound, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay generally thrive in the southern part of the Appellation. At the same time, there are areas around Kenwood in the northern part of the AVA that produce great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley varies dramatically from the south to the north. Northern Pinots have almost Rhone-like characteristics, while southern Pinots are lighter and more reminiscent of production from the Russian River Valley.
The eastern hills of the valley below Sonoma Mountain are increasingly best known for Zinfandel. McCrea Vineyards is an exceptional example of this production. While great Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found on the Eastern Sonoma Mountain, Louis M Martini's Monte Rosso in the Western Mayacamas Mountains has arguably been the most consistently excellent Cab grown by any Sonoma Valley Winery. Exceptional Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in the Sonoma Valley 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 Wine Enthusiast review
Sonoma Valley Wineries And Wines
Although many AVAs in Sonoma County are well-known for one or two specific varietals, the Sonoma Valley enjoys diverse terroir, and successfully grows...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Wine Enthusiast Products we recommend
Vacu Vin Rapid Ice Instant Wine Cooler
Original Rapid Ice wine coolers from Vacu-Vin. Serve chilled white wines and icy cold beer or soda at a moment's notice. Store Rapid Ice in your freezer slip it over the bottle for 5 minutes et voila! it's ready to drink. Rapid Ice keeps drinks ice cold for up to 3 hours without messy ice. <br
Price: 11.95 USD
Headlines on Wine Enthusiast
How To Make Homemade Wine, With Easy-To-Follow Steps: All Wine Making
Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:42:04 PDT
Click Here to View More … Home|About Us|Contact Us|Blog|My Squidoo Lens Learn practical and helpful wine making tips including: Wine filtering do’s and don’ts, homemade wine making money saving ideas, and how to get the most out wine making.Plus enjoy a free yearly subscription to our wine industry newsletter, a value of $97.00!First Name : Last Name (optional) : Email : Privacy Policy We hate Spamas much as you. Your email is safe with us. “Here are thelittle known secrets mostamateur winema
Father's Day Gifts
Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:58:59 PDT
Ties and socks are Father’s Day presents of the past. Look to the future of Father’s Day gifts with junk food baskets, sports baskets, Fruit of the Month Clubs, and our special Father’s Day wine and beer baskets. Fresh fruit baskets, wine gifts, and chocolate gift baskets will have your dad smiling on this Father’s Day. Father’s Day gifts are not hard to find at Ruma’s. Our Father’s Days gifts include golf baskets, football baskets, baseball baskets, and more. Send a gift basket and say Thanks
Homebrews and the Holy Grail
Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:58:11 PDT
Roman Sacristan raising a pint with friends Last Memorial Day was fun. I'm only just now writing about it because I got sick last Wednesday and was down a few days with a bad fever and aches. (No, I don't think it was because of Monday either), and then yesterday I had a minor umbilical hernia repair surgery. (Now I really want some beer!) A friend of mine is a home brewer. After helping him move some things, he took me over to one of his fellow homebrewer's house on Memorial Day. He was busy b
The Encore 5, Five Condos For Five Hobbies
Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:02:00 PDT
Filed under: Real Estate Developments A new condo tower in Charlotte, North Carolina promise some of the priciest and most distinctive penthouses in the city. The 20-story Encore condo tower includes the Encore 5 - five 7,000-square-foot units priced from $4.5 million to $5.5 million which are pitched at five specific types of buyers: the art collector, the food enthusiast, the wine connoisseur, the technology buff and the consummate entertainer. So far, condos in the area haven't sold at this
Great Wine Gifts for Dad
Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:54:20 PDT
Now is the time to thank Dad for all of his of love and support--and for some, perhaps a thank you for imparting his years of wine wisdom. Here are some of our picks to help you do just that. Our picks from Amazon: Metrokane Wine Pourer with Stopper $5 Serve wine with a touch of elegance. The Velvet wine pourer pours smoothly without drips and the stopper seals wine air-tight. Both pieces have an easy-grip velvet finish. The World Atlas of Wine $32 Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again com
Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 3 Yr 42 Issues - $13.40
Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:27:02 PDT
Discuss | Save | Email | More Deals Like This 2.2 hours old 5 replies 139 views McCain Stickers/other deal or coupon code by kenseth1717at Slickdeals Free Stuff
Long List of restaurants with Free Food and Special Offers when Sign up
Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:34:01 PDT
Discuss | Save | Email | More Deals Like This 7.2 hours old 7 replies 529 views Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 3 Yr 42 Issues - $13.40 deal or coupon code by UkieAndrewat FatWallet Hot Deals
Elderberry Wine
Wine Vineyards
Pot Rack | Quality Wine
Labels: Wine Club | Wine Clubs
