Barbera bottles of wine on a rail with trees in the background
Varietal of the Month Barbera: Varietal of the Month

Barbera is one of Italy’s five most planted grapes and the fifteenth most planted varietal in the world. In California, Barbera is characterized by high acidity and fruity exuberance with medium tannins and a spicy finish. A charming and quaffable varietal, Barbera pairs well with fatty fare that serves to balance the buoyant acidity. Here […]

Marcy Gordon / Aug 24, 2022
Bottles of Barbera wine sitting next to pink flowers
Varietal of the Month Barbera: Varietal of the Month

Barbera, a variety native to Italy, can vary in flavor depending on where it’s grown; be it warm or cool climate, and how it is produced. Wines from cool climes tend to display brighter tart red fruits and warmer climes revel deeper dark berry fruit flavors. Typically Barbera is delightfully spicy with good acidity, and […]

Marcy Gordon / Jan 28, 2020
Bottles of Bubbly in the fall leaves
Varietal of the Month Sparkling Wine: Varietal of the Month

Nothing makes an occasion more festive than Sparkling Wine. The pop of the cork, the rise of tiny bubbles and the gentle whoosh of foam in the glass—it’s romantic and special. But sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they are also a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with […]

Marcy Gordon / Dec 5, 2019
petite sirah bottles on a glass table with wth a green rug in the background
Varietal of the Month Petite Sirah: Varietal of the Month

While Petite Sirah might sound like a diminutive version of Syrah, it’s a distinct variety also known as Petite Syrah or Durif, named for the French botanist Dr. François Durif. Petite Sirah is not a hybrid but true Vitis Vinifera — its parents are Peloursin and Syrah.

Marcy Gordon / Sep 28, 2019