 | |
Upcoming Events
|
Monthly Wine Walk
Sunday, August 4
Petaluma Gap wine tasting at Downtown Theatre District Restaurants
Petaluma Gap Annual Members BBQ
Sunday, August 25th
Save the Date! Details to follow.
|
|
| |
Random Wine Facts
|
California is the leading wine producing state-making more than 90 percent of all U.S. wine-and also ranks first in wine consumption. Californians enjoy nearly one in five (18 percent) of the bottles consumed in the United States. If California were a nation, it would be the fourth leading wine-producing country in the world behind France, Italy and Spain. With this great culture of wine, there is significant interest in all aspects of the grape. Wineries and vineyards are the second most popular tourist destination in California after Disneyland. A total of 14.8 million tourists visit the state's wine regions each year.
- Courtesy, The Wine Institute
|
|
|
|
In Search of Terroir
 | |
28 wines -- 6 chardonnays, 14 pinot noirs, and 8 syrahs, all made from 100% Petaluma Gap grapes -- were evaluated by a panel of experts to help define the Gap's terroir
|
There are many definitions for "terroir," but the most basic is "taste of place." Winegrowers in the Petaluma Gap region produce high quality pinot noir, chardonnay, and cool climate syrah, which they sell to over 80 wineries in other parts of Sonoma and Napa counties. With only six small family-operated wineries in the Gap itself, a cohesive story around the Gap's distinctive "taste of place" has not evolved. What do the wind and fog really impart to the wines made from Gap fruit?
In order to better articulate the distinctive character of wines made from Petaluma Gap grapes, the PGWA called upon the expertise of Chris Sawyer, Head Sommelier at the Carneros Inn, and Wilfred Wong, Cellar Master at BevMo. The PGWA assembled a group of 28 wines crafted from 100% Petaluma Gap grapes, and the two experienced wine judges set about to describe the "terroir" they were tasting in the glass. After the end of a long afternoon of tasting and discussion, the consensus is that Petaluma Gap wines not only exhibit crisp acidity and complex flavors, but have a profile of "elegance with a touch of the wild." Chardonnays are "lively and full of tart fruit and mineral flavors, a bit on the wild side with personality." The pinot noirs are "elegant, sultry, textured and wild . . . with wonderful savory notes of sage, mint, and wild herbs." And the syrahs "exhibit red and black fruit, white pepper, and delight the palette with elegance and structure."
A comprehensive report of the tasting with a complete list of the 28 wines along with each judge's "top five" is currently being prepared and will be published soon. Look for a link to the report in a future newsletter! |
|
Monthly Wine Walk August 4th
 | Fogline Vineyards poured samples of their Petaluma Gap wines for tasting at Rosso Pizzeria and Mozarella Bar
for the June 2nd Wine Walk |
Our fourth Wine Walk on Sunday July 7th was another success with more than 70 attendees enjoying Petaluma Gap wines from Armagh Vineyard, Cline Cellars, Keller Estate and Flocchini Wines. The participating Theatre District restaurants (Tres Hombres Long Bar and Grill, Rosso Pizzeria and Mozzarella Bar, La Dolce Vita Wine Bar and Sugo Trattoria) offered discounts on the featured wines by the glass and bottle.
This month, the Wine Walk is on Sunday August 4th from 3 to 6 pm at Sugo Trattoria, Rosso Pizzeria and Mozzarella Bar and La Dolce Vita Wine Bar! Tastes of Petaluma Gap wines will be poured by Enriquez Estate, Flocchini Wines and Fogline Vineyards. Guests can purchase Wine Walk wrist bands for $10 at participating the Theatre District restaurants the day of the event. You must be 21 to participate!
|
|
Member News
 As part of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, Keller Estate is hosting a winemaker dinner on Friday, August 30th at 6:00 pm. Prepare to swoon over the summertime scenery of Keller Estate's vineyards and olive groves at this dinner hosted by Keller Estate and featuring cuisine prepared by BarbersQ. Keller Estate is a true estate winery: From vine to bottle, every step of the winemaking process is completed on the property. The result is a lineup of wines that are deeply expressive of their individual terroir. Keller Estate produces limited amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that continue to reach new levels of elegance and finesse. You'll savor some of these renowned wines paired with an impeccably prepared, seasonally fresh meal served in the lovely wine library. Tickets for this event can be purchased online at: |
|
Winery Discounts and Specials for PGWA Members
 Following is a list of discounts or other specials currently being offered exclusively to our PGWA Members:
|
|
Vineyard Happenings -- Veraison!
 | | Veraison -- color change -- is evident on these pinot noir clusters at Clary Ranch-Grand Vent Vineyard |
Veraison is a viticulture term meaning "the onset of ripening." Originating in France, the term is used widely throughout the U.S. and many other wine-growing regions. Veraison is the time when the grape berries begin to change color. The change is most striking in red wine grape varieties, and marks the change from green to purple. This color change occurs as chlorophyll is broken down and new compounds are formed that give the berries their varietal color and character.
However, much more than just color changes start to occur at this time. Acid levels in the berries begin to decrease as malic acid degrades leaving tartaric acid as the predominant acid. Sugar levels begin to increase in the form of glucose and fructose, and the berries shift from tasting acidic (sour) to sweet with fruit aromas. As the sweetness increases, the fruit becomes attractive to animals -- primarily birds -- which is yet another challenge for wine grape growers.
Veraison began about two weeks earlier than normal in the Gap, which suggests that harvest may well occur before our usual late-October rains begin. However, a too-early harvest may not be the best thing for grape quality, as the berries may not have the "hang time" needed to develop intense varietal characters. The cooler-than-normal weather in late July has been welcomed by many growers, as it will help prolong hang time. So growers are looking for a delicate balance for the rest of the season -- not too hot to where the fruit ripens without sufficient hang time, and not too cool to where the rains come before harvest. |
|
|
|
|
