Faustini Wines Blog

Takeoff to Napa

The Napa Valley- a term used today as a synonym for Napa County, is the best known U.S wine region in the world. For the most part Napa’s reputation has been built from the award winning Cabernet Sauvignons and of course the Bordeaux style blends. These amazing wines come from well-established big names and of course small boutique wineries like Faustini. Surprisingly enough Napa makes up only 4% in total California wine production. Don't let this number fool you! Although small in terms of grape harvest, you will see why this wine growing region keeps seasoned oneophiles coming back for more.

Back in the Early Days

Settler George Calvert Yount (for those of you who are thinking Yountville and the French Laundry you're right!) made his way to California in 1831. In 1834 he went to Sonoma, where he was employed as a carpenter by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. After working for Vallejo, Yount received the Rancho Caymus land grant in 1836, and became the first permanent settler in the Napa Valley. By 1838 he saw that the area had a lot of potential for growing wine grapes, and by 1839 with the help of two other pioneers, he was able to plant the first Vitis Vinifera grapes in the area. Charles Krug established Napa’s first commercial winery in 1861, which is still being operated today by his good friends the Mondavi family. Now there are more then 300 wineries in Napa to date.

Terroir  [ter-wahr]

Ideal terroir (meaning the all-inclusive physical environment of a wine growing area) is essential for making a great wine, and although Napa is one of the smallest wine growing regions, you can see that the grapes really speak for themselves. Defined by the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges and influenced by its juxtaposition to the Pacific Ocean, the Napa Valley enjoys a beautiful dry Mediterranean climate (only 2% of the world has this!) perfectly suited to the growing of astonishing wine grapes. These mountains protect the Valley from the chilly air off the Pacific Ocean, and the scorching heat of the Central Valley. The Napa River runs generally north to south of the county, and helps keeps the valley cool at night. This ideal combination with the warm daytime temperature and chilly night air allows the grapes to ripen softly and in sync with one another.

Key Appellations in Napa

Napa County is one of the counties included in the North Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area) of California. Within Napa itself there are also 16 other sub AVAs. The most prestigious area of Napa Valley stretches north from the city of Napa upward which includes the Yountville, (where we source our Malbec Rosé) Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford (Beach House #34 Sauvignon Blanc), St. Helena, Calistoga and Howell Mountain (Secret Veil) AVAs. This is a prime Cabernet Sauvignon growing area, and plays humble host to many of the famous American wineries and vineyards such as Silver Oak & Caymus. Below the city of Napa in the cooler part of the county, you will find the well-known Oak Knoll District and the Carneros AVA's which have ideal climates for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These grapes are often used to make a majority of the sparkling wines produced around Napa.

 

So Where is Faustini?

Our winery is located in the Coombsville AVA. Coombsville is a quiet area, in the southeastern corner of the Napa Valley, closely situated against the foothills of the Vaca mountians (just 15 minutes outside of the city of Napa!). Most people who visit Napa generally never pass through it, or even know it exists, it's basically a hidden secret of the Valley! Yet, for anyone who has fallen in love with Napa Valley wines, or a seasoned Napa traveler who wishes to get out of the tourist area… Coombsville is an absolute MUST-SEE destination!

Here are some facts about the Coombsville AVA

Climate: Temperate climate moderated by close proximity to the San Pablo Bay and the influences of marine air.
Elevation: Most vineyards are in the 100-500 foot (30-150 m) zone, though a small portion tops 1000 feet (300 m)
Rainfall: 25 inches (65 cm) annually
Soils: Primarily weathered volcanic rock and alluvial deposits from the Vaca Range that surrounds the region
Principal varieties: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon on the hillsides with Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir in the lower, cooler sites

(http://www.napavintners.com/napa_valley/appellations.asp)

As we wrap things up it's important to understand that Faustini is a winery. This means that all of our winemaking is done at our Coombsville location, and like many other wineries we too have a number of our grapes growing in not only Coombsville but other well-known parts of Napa, providing you with the ultimate tasting experience for each wine that we make. I hope you enjoyed this educational “Flight to Napa” and feel inspired to embark on a journey to visit Faustini, as well as the many other beautiful wineries and vineyards which lie in Napa County. Till next time my fellow oneophiles…Cheers!!

By, Shannon Hurley

Wine Ambassador

References

-Napavinters.com/appellations

-The Society of Wine Educators Handbook

-The Encyclopedia of Wine- Tom Stevenson

Think Pink, Drink Pink

With the warm weather in full bloom it’s time to take a break from those heartier pairings and lighten up with a refreshing take. We’re talking Rosé!

The development of Rosé wine dates back to the 1700’s with the popularity of “Claret” meaning clear or light-colored wine. This was a popular style of red Bordeaux during the 1700′s. Back then, the British were the ones who favored pale style wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Of course these days Bordeaux wines have become gallant and darker, and the lovely rosé has received a category of its very own.

Today rosé has a variety of names depending on its origin. Whether you call it “Rosé” in France or America, “Rosado” in Spain, “Rosato” in Italy or simply “blush" – they all refer to some seriously pink business. The wines can typically range from a light salmon subtle hue to a vibrant magenta pink, depending on the grape used and how long the skins were in contact with the juice. Rosés can be made in three different styles off-dry, sweet, or dry the most popular style produced around the world today. There are two different ways to make Rosé. First we have “Saignee” this is the practice of “bleeding off” lightly tinted grape juice after a brief maceration process (soaking of grape skins). Since wine’s color actually comes from the skins, the longer the skins, pips and seeds remain in contact with the grape, the darker and more tannic the rosé gets. The second less common way is to simply blend white wine with a red to make it appear pink.

Think Pink, Drink Pink!

Our rosés are the perfect pairing for spring and summer, since they are served chilled and can be a refreshing garnish to any warm day. They are also extremely versatile wines and pair well with a number of different dishes.

2012 Opportunity Collection Malbec Rosé

It’s not too often that you’ll find a Malbec Rosé coming out of Napa. Although this grape has some Argentinian roots, this crisp wine is often compared to a Provence style rosé.

Aroma: Ripe cherry & peach flesh with hints of strawberry

Palate: Pink grapefruit & tart red currant flavors linger softly on the fresh finish

Food Pairing: Grilled Mahi-Mahi with bell pepper salad

2012 Play Date Syrah Rosé

This full bodied rose is beautifully layered with ripe fruit from the Coomsville AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Napa, with the overall balance to pair with just about anything.

Aroma: Cranberry, fresh watermelon & rose petal

Palate: Pomegranate & ripe black cherry with subtle cinnamon notes

Food Pairing: Sirloin burger with maple bacon, blue cheese & sweet potato fries

So wine lovers, if you are opting to try something outside of your wine box don’t be afraid! Rosé is on the rise and many people have discovered the truth behind the myth that all rosés are “sweet and girly”. Come stop by our tasting room on Broad Street in Red Bank today for a flight with our featured rosés. Till next time, Cheers!

Shannon Hurley

Wine Ambassador