four Sangiovese bottles in the green grass with yellow daffodils in the background
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Sangiovese

Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. A mainstay of Italy, it’s a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried tomato, cigar box, black tea, smoke, anise, and thyme; great acidity and a nice level of spiciness typify it. […]

Marcy Gordon / Feb 25, 2023
seven Grenache bottles on a barrel head in the rain
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Grenache

Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to […]

Marcy Gordon / Mar 24, 2023
Three Bottles of Chenin Blanc
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Chenin Blanc

Have you noticed that Chenin Blanc is having a moment?  Its popularity has surged lately and seems to be on every wine list by the glass and bottle. It’s a versatile white wine with great texture that can vary in style from dry, crisp and lean, to rich and plush. It’s the signature grape of […]

Marcy Gordon / May 11, 2023
Varietal of the Month Wine Style of the Month: Rosé

Are you ready to Think Pink? It’s time to roll out the Rosé and slip into the warm embrace of summertime. Although Rosé has become a year-round choice—it shines brightest in the summer. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and spice—Rosé is the crisp and refreshing choice for your table as well as […]

Marcy Gordon / May 26, 2023
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. Texture is the name of the game with […]

Marcy Gordon / Jun 22, 2023
Zinfandel-VotM
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Zinfandel

  You can’t come to Sonoma and not taste Zinfandel. Well, you could but why would you? Especially since the area is one of the premier Zinfandel growing regions where the grape has been grown since the 1800’s. Zinfandel is a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of dark fruit flavors that include raspberry, […]

Marcy Gordon / Jul 20, 2023
Four Bottles of Orange Wine with an orange Stuffed animal
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Orange Wine

Introduction  Orange wines aka skin-contact or amber wines are having a moment —an ongoing moment that started 8,000 years ago. Simply put, orange wines are white grape varieties made in the manner of red wines with extended contact on the skins, resulting in wines full of texture that are both elegant and complex as well […]

Marcy Gordon / Aug 22, 2023
Bottles of wine displayed in fall leaves
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Barbera

Barbera Barbera: Prince of Darkness, Goddess of Light—well not exactly, but Barbera is characteristically dark in color and light in taste. It’s a fairy tale of red and black berry flavors with high acidity, relatively low tannins, and a spicy finish. A charming and quaffable Italian varietal, Barbera pairs well with braised meats and roasted […]

Marcy Gordon / Oct 23, 2023
6 bottles of pinot noir
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month – Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is synonymous with Sonoma County as one of the flagship wines of the Russian River Valley region. Light bodied with moderate to high acidity gives Pinot Noir a structure that makes it eminently pair worthy with a wide range of foods. A cool climate grape, Pinot Noir can be finicky and difficult to […]

Marcy Gordon / Dec 12, 2023
sparkling botttles
Varietal of the Month Wine Style of the Month – Sparkling

Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. From fried chicken to lobster bisque, the range of food pairings are endless, but nothing beats oysters, potato chips or truffle fries for flavor match made in heaven. Sparkling […]

Marcy Gordon / Dec 12, 2023