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WINE
MAKER GOES SOLAR!
Domaine Carneros Winery in the Napa Valley recently installed
a solar power system that reduced their power consumption by 90%
-enough to power 120 average homes. They expect the cost
savings to pay for itself in just a few years.
Story...
STAGLIN
FAMILY VINEYARDS - FIT FOR A QUEEN
By Andy Summa
 Staglin Family Vineyard recently announced the release of their 1998
Cabernet Sauvignon, which wine critic Robert Parker called “even better
than
the 1997 -- all the charm and velvety richness.” Each of Staglin
Family’s wines display the unique, intense fruit character and soft tannins Staglin
Family is known for. Their 1999 Chardonnay is also still available, but
going fast. All of the Staglin wines are organic.
Nestled in the world-renowned Napa Valley in California, Staglin
Family’s annual production is about 7,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon,
2,000 cases
of Chardonnay and 350 cases of Sangiovese. It is one of the largest
single vineyards owned by a family without any other partners or outside
investors. The Staglin Family supports numerous children charities and
health care organizations.
The micro-climate of the Staglin property, nestled against the slope of
the tallest mountain in the Mayacamas range, and the unique gravelly
loam soil
with its excellent drainage, gives the Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon and
Sangiovese an intensity and character that is distinctive.
Their 1989 Chardonnay was served to Queen Elizabeth during the first
ever joint luncheon of both houses of Congress. She thought it was
“jolly
good.”
For an idea of the vineyard, check out 1998’s “The Parent Trap.” The
Staglin Family Vineyard was prominently featured in the movie. Or, to
check
out the wine, go to www.staglin.com.
Andy Summa is a freelance writer in Sugar Land, Texas.
A
FABULOUS RESOURCE The Organic
Connection wine club located in Chicago Illinois will ship 3
different bottles of organic wines each month, to anyplace in
the world, for $39.95 plus shipping.
These folks really know wine, and take their selection
process seriously. Gary Rohr, one of the fellows running the
club told us that each selection is hand picked, and “they
don’t include inferior wines simply because they’re organic”.
They select a lot of French organic wines, many are from
small producers, and some are exclusive offerings available
only through the Organic Connection Wine Club. You can call
them at (773) 989-8166, or if you’re in Chicago stop by
and see them and tell ‘em you heard about them through
Red Jellyfish.
COTURRI QUALITY
Coturri Winery is one of the few wineries left that produces high quality
organic wines with a solid commitment to traditional methods: without chemicals, using only naturally occurring yeast, organically grown grapes and no
preservatives.
Coturri’s philosophy is to let the grape speak and the wines are rich, complex, with lots of character and body. The wines have won several medals from the World Championships of Wine. But it is up to you, you’ll either
love ’em or hate ’em. Visit coturriwinery.com to learn
more about this exemplary winery.
Organic
Winemaking
Growing grapes without herbicides and pesticides is sometimes
a challenge for winemakers. But wineries are
increasingly recognizing that producing pure, quality wine makes sense. Even though
yields are sometimes smaller, the improved quality can command a
higher price.
An
increasing number of vintners are turning toward organic grapes not only in California's well known winemaking
areas Sonoma and Napa, but also in other countries like France
and Italy.
The trend
toward organic winemaking and viticulture is also fueled by
the increasing popularity in unrefined and unfiltered wines. As
the average wine drinker becomes more sophisticated, moving
from simple Blush and Chablis wines to more complex
Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and other blends, vintners are becoming more daring. |
