RED WINES

Barbera: A varietal that produces a deep ruby-colored wine. Medium in body it can be enjoyed at mealtime or on its own. This wine produced is popular in Italy as the classic mealtime wine. With ripe berry flavors and low tannins this wine ages well.

Cabernet Franc: Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon this grape varietal is medium bodied with fewer tannins and a soft mouth feel. A strong bouquet of blackberry and currant with a sometimes leafy, earthy flavor the wine produced makes it excellent for blending.

Cabernet Sauvignon: One of the most popular varietals it is aptly referred to as the "Jewel in California's Crown." Full bodied with a deep color this wine has a distinct currant aroma along with a fruity berry like flavor. Finishes can range from a sweet vanilla to an earthy, tobacco finish depending upon the degree of oak ness. A wonderful wine to use as a foundation for blending.

Merlot: This grape produces a soft, supple wine so rich in color that it hints of an almost dark blue hue. Full bodied with a strong nose reflecting cherry and black currant this wine is enjoyable both straight and blended. It ages sooner than most reds making it drinkable much earlier.

Old Vine Zinfandel: Its name tells it all. This varietal originates from vines as old as 50 years. Ruby colored with plenty of depth and tannins, this wine hints of cherry and chocolate flavors. It finishes well and is ideal for long aging.

Petit Syrah: A grape that produces a wine both full of flavor and bold this wine packs plenty of tannin along with flavors of ripe fruit and spices. If one desires a big red wine then this is it. A perfect companion to a hearty meal.

Pinot Noir: This varietal has its origins in France as the chief ingredient for all French Burgundies. Low in tannins and high in acids this wine has a deep red color. With hints of cherries, raspberries and strawberries this wine when properly produced will become a favorite to all.

Sangiovese: The dominate grape in the classic Italian Chianti this well balanced wine pairs well with any meal. Flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and cherry abound. An ideal wine for blending it goes well combined with Cabs, Merlot and Zinfandel.

Zinfandel: One of the most widely produced varietal in California the wine produced is a dry full-bodied red with fruity flavors and an under-tone of pepper. Due to its wide range of style this grape offers the wine-maker many options.

WHITE WINES

Chardonnay: A premier varietal from California that yields a dry austere wine with a full body. Flavors range from buttery and creamy to smoky. This wine pairs well with fruit and cheese as well as other light cuisine.

Pinot Grigio: This grape, with its origins in France, produces a dry crisp white wine with an occasional nose of honey. Lightly perfumed with more body than most whites this wine goes well with meals or on its own.

Riesling: With its origins in Germany this varietal has the potential to produce a wine with tremendous complexity. Sweet and luscious in flavors this wine boasts a zesty bouquet. A unique table wine, rewarding to produce, Reisling will be a favorite anytime wine.

Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp dry white varietel, the wine produced has pronounced flavors of garden herbs and grasses. Clean and refreshing to the palate it is an ideal table wine to be enjoyed with or without meals.

Blends

Blending wine is an excellent way for the wine-maker to enhance his wine as well as to add to his collection. The following are some suggestions that have resulted in excellent blends. However be creative and produce a blend of your choosing resulting in a true "Vintner's Choice."

Barbera/Petit Syrah: 75% Barbera/25% Petit Syrah. The fruitiness of the Barbera along with the intensity of the Petit Syrah makes a table wine with kick.

Cabernet/ Merlot: 80% Cab/20% Merlot. When blended this combination results in a typical Bordeaux style wine. The softness of the Merlot along with the complexity of the Cabernet produces a wine with somewhat softer under-tones with a Cabernet character.

Cabernet/Old Vine Zinfandel: 75% Cabernet/25% Zinfandel. Two world class wines that when combined will produce an excellent drinking wine. When added to the Cabernet, the Zinfandel softens the wine resulting in a wonderful combination.

Merlot/ Cabernet: 80% Merlot/20% Cabernet. A great blend, the addition of the Cabernets full body enhances the supple character of the Merlot.

Meritage: A blend of up to 5 different wines resulting in a Bordeaux style wine with a distinct flavor that is enjoyed by all.

Super Tuscans: There are many forms of this blend, 70% Sangiovese/30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 70% Sangiovese/30% Merlot, 70% Petit Syrah/30% Cabernet Sauvignon, to name a few. Individual tastes and preferences can abound here. An excellent way to be creative.