Category: Other Wine Info and Education

Number of United States Wineries Reaches 8,702

U.S. winery growth continues steady climb, up 5 percent from last year.

by Paul Franson

Feb 2016 Issue of Wine Business Monthly

According to the proprietary database developed by Wine Business Monthly and Wines Vines Analytics, the United States now has 8,702 wineries, up 415 from 8,287 last year, a 5 percent increase. Of those, 7,061 are bonded wineries, and 1,641 are “virtual” wineries. A virtual winery is one that has its own management and winemaking, but produces wine as a guest at a host location. The number of bonded wineries grew from 6,810 to 7,061, up 251 or 3.7 percent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Phinney may become the new winemaker of the year.  You can be pretty sure if you choose any one of the bottles in the pictures above, that you will be getting a great bottle of wine.

First off, I will tell you about “Locations Wines” by Dave Phinney and then supplement with an article on this amazing young winemaker.  His concept for his “Locations wines” is to make the best possible wine from a given location or country.  His mission is to seek out the best vineyard(s) to accomplish this.   Unconventionally, he would remove wine restrictions and seek Read about how he first got started below.  I have inserted some excerpts here too.

http://top100.winespectator.com/article/making-it-look-easy

“I wish I could tell you that only a select few of us can make wine,” says Dave Phinney. “But the process of converting sugar to alcohol isn’t really that tough.”

He’s being modest, of course, but Phinney does make winemaking seem almost effortless. His first wine, The Prisoner, debuted with the 2000 vintage and rocketed to success. A blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and small percentages of Syrah and Charbono, wasn’t meticulously planned—as a fledgling winemaker, Phinney used what grapes were available to him. He made 385 cases the first year, labeling it with a Francisco Goya etching his parents had given him and selling it for $25 a bottle. The brand hit shelves just as Zinfandel was experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The Prisoner received consistently high scores, and within 10 years its case production grew to 85,000.

THE PHINNEY LINEUP

Dave Phinney produces wines under the California-based Orin Swift label (Abstract, Mannequin, Mercury Head, Papillon, Palermo and Veladora) and is a partner in a host of other winemaking projects abroad.

Abstract and Machete

The quintessential Phinney projects, blending different grapes (Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah) from regions all over California (Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino). The Abstract label shows a collage designed by Phinney, piecing together images the winemaker collected for years—from pictures of Hemingway to photos of old punk rock bands—embossed in black. Machete features 12 different art labels.

Department 66

From Phinney’s old-vine Grenache vineyards in Maury, France. The wine’s name refers to the French department number for the region. Though one of the simplest of his labels, Phinney says it was the most difficult to design. “I had so much respect for Maury. I wanted that to show,” he says. The “D” on the label is copied from an honorary degree his father received in France.

Locations

A value-oriented lineup of blends from Spain, France and Italy—so far, with more to come. The labels are made up of the international license plate country code to indicate where the wine hails from.

Mannequin

Phinney heard the word “mannequin” in the lyrics of a Nicki Minaj song, and instantly had a vision for a label. Well-known portrait photographer Greg Gorman spent a day with Phinney shooting dozens of pictures of mannequin limbs before snapping an image of the discarded torsos in the corner of his studio. A blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sémillon, Muscat and Marsanne.

Mercury Head

Phinney found a Liberty Dime in a handful of change, which reminded him of how much he enjoyed collecting coins as a child. The Liberty Dime—nicknamed Mercury Head—was always his favorite. Of the three Cabernets he makes, this is the most expensive, and represents his best Cabernet Sauvignon lots in Napa Valley. 2010 and 2011 were tricky vintages, and Phinney didn’t bottle the wine in those years.

Papillon

French for “butterfly,” Phinney first heard the term when his daughter saw a butterfly and said the word out loud. A Cabernet-based blend, the grapes come from Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville and St. Helena. The image—photographed by Greg Gorman—shows the hands of Vince Tofanelli, a third-generation grapegrower.

Palermo

Extra lots of Cabernet Sauvignon used to go into The Prisoner, so after the sale of that brand, Phinney created Palermo, the most value-centric of his Cabernets. The label image of a mummified priest is from a photograph by Vincent Musi that Phinney saw in National Geographic in a story about catacombs in Palermo, Sicily.

The Prisoner

Phinney’s first label, sold to Huneeus Vintners in 2010. A blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache from vineyards around Napa, the wine gets its name from the Goya print—originally a gift from Phinney’s parents—on the label.

Saldo

Phinney sold this Zinfandel bottling in 2010 along with The Prisoner. It carries the broad California appellation, blending grapes from Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Amador and Contra Costa counties. In Spanish, “Saldo” translates to “balance on hand” or “from here to there.” The front label is just the single word on an embossed label.

Shatter

This French Grenache is a joint venture between Phinney, vintner Joel Gott and Trinchero Family Estate. It is named for the propensity of the Grenache in the Roussillon to shatter. The label, fittingly, is a photograph of shattered glass.

Veladora

Charity has always been important to Phinney; in lieu of wedding gifts, he and wife Kim asked guests to donate to a farmworker housing organization. All of the profits from this wine are donated to a local charity, Puertas Abiertas (“Open Doors”), which helps the Latino farmworking community in Napa. From the first time Phinney worked alongside Latino farmers during harvest, he felt a connection. “They took me in and really showed me about this work and pride,” he says. Veladora refers to the prayer candles on the label’s image.

Pick out grapes across appellations and allow freedom to make wine out of the traditional winemaking circles and processes.  He would also not label these bottles with a date and all his “Location wines” would be non-vintage.

I am surprised that many educated wine folks are not familiar with these wines, but my prediction, is that these will increase in popularity in the next 5 years.  Read more about his “Locations wines” below.

www.locationswine.com/wines/

 

 

 

Is wine trendy?

My mother used to say if you keep all your clothes that you think are going out of style, they will eventually come back in style in 20 years.   Hmmmm…….Maybe wine has some commonalities with fashion.  In the 80’s, many were drinking Rose’s.  In the early 90’s, white zinfandel was making a hit, and toward the end of the 90’s Merlots were known to most newcomers.  In the early 2000’s, Pinot Noir’s were making their rounds and then Shiraz’s were starting to be known to many.  Now around 2017, Rose’s are back in the picture and when dining out, I am seeing many folks ordering Rose’s again.  Funny how everything is truly cyclical. Let’s see if White Zinfandel makes a huge comeback soon?

Every year I learn of a new grape that I hadn’t heard of, usually during a tasting. I just love learning about them and realize there are so many varieties out there…some less popular than others and some just used in a blend. Most folks new to wine are just aware of a few red and white grapes, so this list will help expand your knowledge.  There are many more grapes than what I have listed below, so if you would like me to add a variety you have tasted, feel free to email me.

It is so interesting when you view the pictures of these grape varieties, as they range in color, size and shape.  Most people imagine that the grapes are like what they purchase in the store, as simply green or red, but grapes, like people, are so individualized. They are like pieces of artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

Semillon

 

 

 

Garganega

 

 

 

 

Gewürztraminer

 

 

 

 

Chardonnay

 

 

 

 

Meunier-black used in champagne

 

 

 

 

Merlot

 

 

 

 

Garnacha

 

 

 

 

Nebbiola

 

 

 

 

Dolcetta

 

 

 

 

Cinsaut

 

 

 

 

Carignan

 

 

 

 

Aglianico

 

 

 

 

Pinot Noir

White grapes

Chardonnay — Burgundy France. Sonoma, Casablanca chili, Mendoza Argentina, Walker Bay South Africa, Australia-Yarro Valley, Adelaid Hills and Margaret River, Marlborough New Zealand.

Sauvignon Blanc

Chenin Blanc

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Riesling

Semillon—Bordeaux and Hunter Valley Australia

Gewurztraminer—Alsace France & New Zealand

Muscat/Moscato-for sweet sparkling wines

Viogneir

Albarino

Melon Blanc

Verdicchio

Trebbiano

Cortese grape –called Gavi wine

Garganega grape —called Soave wine

Torrontes–Argentina

Glera-for sparkling wines like Presecco

 

 

 

 

 

Red/Purple/Black grapes

Cabernet-Sauvignon

Pinot Noir

Merlot

Malbec

Zinfandel (Primitivo)

Garnacha/Grenache

Syrah/Shiraz

Cabernet Franc

Tempranillo

Sangiovese

Carmenere

Nebbiola

Barbera

Montepulciano

Petit Verdot

Petit Sirah/Petit Syrah (Durif)

Nero D’Avola

Dolcetta

Lambrusco di Sorbera

Touriga Nacional

Lagrein

Corvina

Negroamoro

Pinotage

Cinsaut (Cindault)

Gamay

Carignan

Aglianico

Mourvedre (called Monastrell in Spain)

Meunier-champagne grapes

Is wine trendy?

My mother used to say if you keep all your clothes that you think are going out of style, they will eventually come back in style in 20 years.   Hmmmm…….Maybe wine has some commonalities with fashion.  In the 80’s, many were drinking Rose’s.  In the early 90’s, white zinfandel was making a hit, and toward the end of the 90’s Merlots were known to most newcomers.  In the early 2000’s, Pinot Noir’s were making their rounds and then Shiraz’s were starting to be known to many.  Now around 2017, Rose’s are back in the picture and when dining out, I am seeing many folks ordering Rose’s again.  Funny how everything is truly cyclical. Let’s see if White Zinfandel makes a huge comeback soon?

Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world’s most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity.

The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Bordeaux chateau and vineyards

While Bordeaux is well regarded for wines produced within specific areas, many of its wines fall under other, far less ambitious appellations. These include AOC Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur and the sparkling-specific Crémant de Bordeaux. The Bordeaux Rouge appellation accounts for more than one-third of all production.

The official Bordeaux viticultural region stretches for 80 miles (130km) inland from the Atlantic coast. It is home to more than 10,000 producers who turn out a vast quantity of wine each vintage. Total production in 2016, according to official figures, was 577.2 million liters.

This output ranges from inexpensive everyday wines through to some of the world’s most expensive and prestigious labels. Bottles of dry red wine produced under the region’s generic Bordeaux appellation can be bought for just a few dollars. Those from the top châteaux are regularly traded for several thousand dollars. Auction figures and retail prices do not always conform with Bordeaux’s distinct and historically significant classification system, which has remained largely unchanged since the middle of the 19th Century.

Bordeaux’s climate is moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as “next to the waters”) from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative center. The vast expanse of pine forest to the south (La Foret des Landes) protects Bordeaux from strong, salt-bearing winds coming off the Atlantic Ocean, although there is a risk of still winter air getting trapped and bringing frost to the Bordelais vineyards.

With a latitude (45°N) exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole, summer daytime temperatures hover around 77F (25C), and rarely rise above 86F (30C), while winter temperatures only occasionally dip below freezing. The Médoc peninsula feels the maritime influence particularly strongly; local winemakers talk of the gentle breezes and light clouds that take the edge off even the hottest summer days.

The region’s long, relatively warm summers are ideal for growing late-ripening grape varieties. That is not to say that cool, wet weather in spring and autumn is not a concern here. A fundamental reason that most Bordeaux reds are made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is that these two varieties bud, flower and ripen at different times and rates, which spreads the risk posed by poor weather conditions at flowering or harvest. In years when the autumn is wet, the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest suffers from rot and dilution, but the earlier-ripening Merlot provides a back-up. When the spring is wet, the Merlot flowers poorly, leaving the Cabernet Sauvignon to take up the responsibility of providing a good harvest.

Merlot is the most planted red wine grape in the vineyards of Bordeaux, accounting for around 65 percent of all vines, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon at 23 percent, and then Cabernet Franc at 10 percent. Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenère are also permitted, but only make up around two percent of the red grape total. These three are grapes which have been largely abandoned (the latter almonst entirely) since the 19th Century, as they failed to ripen reliably, though Malbec has a continued role in Saint-Émilion in single-digit percentages as a color enhancer. Climate change and success achieved elesewhere may yet lead to a partial comeback for one or more of them.

Bordeaux’s white wines are generally blends of  Semillon (49 percent of plantings) Sauvignon Blanc, (43 percent) and, less often, Muscadelle (6 percent). A little Sauvignon Gris, the only other permitted white variety, is also cultivated. Sauvignon Blanc has seen some uplift in recent years given the success of varietal wines from New Zealand and other regions.

 

• Climate: Mediterranean climate. 650mm/27.4 in of rain per year..
• Soils: clay, sand, decomposed granite.
• Primary grapes: Cabernet, Syrah, Carménère, Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet Sauvignon: 3,848 ha (9509 acres)	Sauvignon Blanc: 3,221 ha (7959 acres)	Carmenere: 944 ha (2333 acres)
Sauvignon Vert: 532 ha (1315 acres)	Merlot: 1,628 ha (4023 acres)	Chardonnay: 1,090 ha (2693 acres)

Famous for Washington State Reds

The Columbia Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area which lies in the Columbia River Plateau, through much of central and southern Washington State, with a small section crossing into the neighboring state of Oregon. The AVA includes the drainage basin of the Columbia River and its tributaries through much of Washington.^[2] Allen Shoup, president of Washington State’s largest winery Chateau Ste. Michelle, understood the importance of obtaining appellation status^[3] for Washington State to grow the reputation of the vineyards. He hired Drs. Wade Wolfe and Walter Clore to petition the federal government for appellation status, a request that was granted in 1984.^[4] The Columbia Valley AVA is the largest wine region in the state of Washington, including over 11,000,000 acres (4,500,000 ha), of which over 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) are planted in vineyards. The Columbia Valley AVA includes 99% of the total vineyard area planted in the state of Washington.^[5] Grapes grown here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot gris, and Sauvignon blanc

The vast size of the appellation allows for an array of diverse microclimates among the various sub-appellations, but the whole region shares the common climate traits of cold winters and long dry growing seasons with low humidity.^[5] The warm days and cool nights of the area help retain the balance of acid and sugar levels in the grape which give Washington wines their characteristic balance in flavors.

. Most of the Columbia Valley lies in Washington State, with a small section in Oregon stretching from The Dalles to Milton-Freewater. The region is 185 miles wide and 200 miles long.

Do you know the difference and should you care?

The differences in Old World and New World wines come from winemaking practices (tradition) and from the affect of the land and climate on the grapes (the “terroir”). Despite these common descriptors between New and Old World wines, there are plenty of exceptions to the rule.

Old World wines are from Europe, and New World wines are from everywhere else—the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. That should be pretty obvious on the label.