6:08 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
Dunn Vineyards - Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon
"A dense, chewy, muscular dry red wine marked by pencil lead, currant, cedar, mineral, iodine and dill flavors. Tightly wound and immense, and sufficiently tannic to cellar for up to a decade. Best from 2005 through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,000 cases made." This Californian Cabernet Sauvignon is a great gift to buy online! WS - 89 (Subject to Availabilty) DUVCM00 DUVCM00
Price: 189.99 USD
Headlines on Wine Enthusiast
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Mon, 06 Oct 08 00:39:13 -0700
chocolate starfish chocolate starfish what is a chocolate starfish Jubilation! chocolate starfish what is a chocolate starfish. As fish in the tanks behind some of them watched nervously, perhaps wondering whether they were next on the menu, culinary experts from The Bay House/44 Degrees, Chef's Place, Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Georgie's Beachside Grill, Local Ocean Seafood, Quimby's, Saffron Salmon, Starfish Grill,
Bill Boyd Responds to Kidd, Ryken, et. al.
Fri, 03 Oct 08 04:33:16 -0700
At the Denominational Renewal (DR) conference in February of 2008, Bill Boyd gave a talk entitled, "Renewing Worship." Because of a contract with a publisher the transcript is not available. However, you may listen to the audio of Bill's talk by clicking (here). This is the third week of a five week forum scrutinizing the five talks given at DR. For more on the structure of the five week forum at CGO on this conference, click (here). During the week of September 29-October 2 we will host e
Untitled
Thu, 02 Oct 08 20:40:00 -0700
Hello fellow sexy blubs! I have been somewhat AWOL for the last week but all is not lost! I have been exercising! I have been doing my Jillian Micheal's and gym workouts about 3-4 times a week. I even did my first spin class yesterday which was interesting...I then went to a "new definitions" class today and let's just say maybe not one of my better decisions. Everything hurts. Legs are Jell-o and muscles are aching. Thing is, I am not matching the eating part to the wonderful exercise part. A
Estate bottled–Not the same as home brew!
Thu, 02 Oct 08 17:32:52 -0700
Every man’s home is his castle. But the wine he makes in his basement from store-bought juice is most definitely not “estate bottled.” So what does it mean?
GKC's Modems - or Subatomic Particles and Christianity?
Thu, 02 Oct 08 04:25:00 -0700
Yes, GKC keeps feeding me these awesome titles, and such modern ones, too... ever since I found him using the word "modem" - which he didn't. (A modem - from MOdulator/DEModulator - is a device for converting one form of signal into another, such as used in connecting computers by telephone.) This oddity happened in an early stage of AMBER from an OCR mis-read of a too-closely-kerned "modern". Very funny. It reminds me of the famous goof Lewis puts in That Hideous Strength, something about "mode
John Muether Responds to Bill Boyd's "Renewing Worship"
Thu, 02 Oct 08 01:00:05 -0700
At the Denominational Renewal (DR) conference in February of 2008, Bill Boyd gave a talk entitled, "Renewing Worship." Because of a contract with a publisher the transcript is not available. However, you may listen to the audio of Bill's talk by clicking (here). This is the third week of a five week forum scrutinizing the five talks given at DR. For more on the structure of the five week forum at CGO on this conference, click (here). During the week of September 29-October 2 we will host e
My Movie Starlets
Wed, 01 Oct 08 20:12:52 -0700
Bella has recently begun opening the refrigerator to graze through the shelves. The other morning she came in while I was nursing Sophia and said, "I want yogurt." When I went into the kitchen I was much surprised to find the yogurt on the kitchen table. She'd tried to open the foil cover and failed. That was when she came to ask for help. Tonight as I was cleaning the dinner dishes she came in and opened the refrigerator and spied the bag of pancakes leftover from... In the past weeks since we
Elderberry Wine
Wine Vineyards
Wine Com | Wine Commercials
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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
Dunn Vineyards - Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon
"A dense, chewy, muscular dry red wine marked by pencil lead, currant, cedar, mineral, iodine and dill flavors. Tightly wound and immense, and sufficiently tannic to cellar for up to a decade. Best from 2005 through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,000 cases made." This Californian Cabernet Sauvignon is a great gift to buy online! WS - 89 (Subject to Availabilty) DUVCM00 DUVCM00
Price: 189.99 USD
Headlines on Wine Enthusiast
chocolate starfish what is a chocolate starfish
Mon, 06 Oct 08 00:39:13 -0700
chocolate starfish chocolate starfish what is a chocolate starfish Jubilation! chocolate starfish what is a chocolate starfish. As fish in the tanks behind some of them watched nervously, perhaps wondering whether they were next on the menu, culinary experts from The Bay House/44 Degrees, Chef's Place, Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Georgie's Beachside Grill, Local Ocean Seafood, Quimby's, Saffron Salmon, Starfish Grill,
Bill Boyd Responds to Kidd, Ryken, et. al.
Fri, 03 Oct 08 04:33:16 -0700
At the Denominational Renewal (DR) conference in February of 2008, Bill Boyd gave a talk entitled, "Renewing Worship." Because of a contract with a publisher the transcript is not available. However, you may listen to the audio of Bill's talk by clicking (here). This is the third week of a five week forum scrutinizing the five talks given at DR. For more on the structure of the five week forum at CGO on this conference, click (here). During the week of September 29-October 2 we will host e
Untitled
Thu, 02 Oct 08 20:40:00 -0700
Hello fellow sexy blubs! I have been somewhat AWOL for the last week but all is not lost! I have been exercising! I have been doing my Jillian Micheal's and gym workouts about 3-4 times a week. I even did my first spin class yesterday which was interesting...I then went to a "new definitions" class today and let's just say maybe not one of my better decisions. Everything hurts. Legs are Jell-o and muscles are aching. Thing is, I am not matching the eating part to the wonderful exercise part. A
Estate bottled–Not the same as home brew!
Thu, 02 Oct 08 17:32:52 -0700
Every man’s home is his castle. But the wine he makes in his basement from store-bought juice is most definitely not “estate bottled.” So what does it mean?
GKC's Modems - or Subatomic Particles and Christianity?
Thu, 02 Oct 08 04:25:00 -0700
Yes, GKC keeps feeding me these awesome titles, and such modern ones, too... ever since I found him using the word "modem" - which he didn't. (A modem - from MOdulator/DEModulator - is a device for converting one form of signal into another, such as used in connecting computers by telephone.) This oddity happened in an early stage of AMBER from an OCR mis-read of a too-closely-kerned "modern". Very funny. It reminds me of the famous goof Lewis puts in That Hideous Strength, something about "mode
John Muether Responds to Bill Boyd's "Renewing Worship"
Thu, 02 Oct 08 01:00:05 -0700
At the Denominational Renewal (DR) conference in February of 2008, Bill Boyd gave a talk entitled, "Renewing Worship." Because of a contract with a publisher the transcript is not available. However, you may listen to the audio of Bill's talk by clicking (here). This is the third week of a five week forum scrutinizing the five talks given at DR. For more on the structure of the five week forum at CGO on this conference, click (here). During the week of September 29-October 2 we will host e
My Movie Starlets
Wed, 01 Oct 08 20:12:52 -0700
Bella has recently begun opening the refrigerator to graze through the shelves. The other morning she came in while I was nursing Sophia and said, "I want yogurt." When I went into the kitchen I was much surprised to find the yogurt on the kitchen table. She'd tried to open the foil cover and failed. That was when she came to ask for help. Tonight as I was cleaning the dinner dishes she came in and opened the refrigerator and spied the bag of pancakes leftover from... In the past weeks since we
Elderberry Wine
Wine Vineyards
Wine Com | Wine Commercials
Labels: Goat Cheese | Gold Book
