The Carneros Wine Alliance Looks Towards Their 30th Anniversary in 2015 by Highlighting Carneros Chardonnay
Carneros, Napa and Sonoma, CA (PRWEB) November 21, 2014 -- In preparation for their 30th anniversary in 2015 and to continue the discussion of the "Year of Chardonnay," the Carneros Wine Alliance, a non-profit association of wineries and grape-growers in the Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA), hosted an intimate Carneros Chardonnay tasting and discussion this week at Domaine Carneros. Master Sommelier and CWE, Michael Jordan, moderated an in-depth discussion and tasting titled "Carneros Chardonnay, 30 Years in the Making." The region’s top winemakers provided insight into the past, present and future of Carneros and guests tasted through a selection of Carneros Chardonnay chosen by Mr. Jordan to reflect the region’s cool-climate and terroir.
“Carneros grape growers and winemakers base their styles on 30 years of history and development in this region known as a magic carpet of rolling hills,” said Master Sommelier, Michael Jordan. “Carneros Wine Alliance members have been quietly producing amazing wines. The winemakers and winegrowers of Carneros continue to innovate while honoring a tremendous history, and there’s a diversity and commonality in Carneros wines, especially in Carneros Chardonnay, that ties this world-class region together.”
The first California wine region to be defined by its climate characteristics rather than political boundaries, vineyards were first planted Carneros as early as the 1830s, with the first winery established here in the early 1870s. Carneros achieved official AVA status in 1983 and is renowned for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine production. The Carneros Wine Alliance was founded two years after the initial AVA was formed. Carneros, located at the crossroads of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, is a cool-climate appellation influenced by the waters of the San Francisco Bay.
Carneros has long been known for it’s Chardonnay and it is a classic expression of the region. “The appeal of chardonnay is reflected in how perfectly it expresses the terroir,” said Eric Johannsen, Winemaker at Carneros Hills Winery. “Chardonnay can be used to showcase different winemaking styles and there is a transparency to Chardonnay that makes it an expression of the land.”
The wines featured at "Carneros Chardonnay, 30 Years in the Making" included:
• 2012 ZD Wines Reserve Chardonnay
• 2012 Schug Chardonnay
• 2012 Clos du Val Chardonnay
• 2012 Domaine Carneros Palmer Vineyard Chardonnay
• 2012 Hyde & Sons Chardonnay
• 2012 Etude Estate Grown Chardonnay
• 2012 Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay
• 2013 Poseidon Vineyard “The Bench” Chardonnay
• 2011 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay
• 2012 Saintsbury Sangiacomo Chardonnay, Dijon clone 809
• 2011 Donum Estate Reserve Chardonnay
• 2012 Carneros Hills Chardenet Coteau Blanc
“So many of us in Carneros have more than 30 years of knowledge and experience and that is very powerful,” said Anne Moller-Racke, Vice Chair of the Carneros Wine Alliance, as well as President and Winegrower at The Donum Estate. “It is wonderful that this knowledge has evolved in this area and this gained understanding will play out in the quality of wines that we will produce from Carneros.”
CARNEROS WINE ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
As the Carneros Wine Alliance approaches its 30th anniversary, the group will continue to promote and highlight the wines of the region through events, gatherings and tastings. If you are a Carneros winery or grower and would to learn more about the Carneros Wine Alliance or participate in our 2015 anniversary events, please contact the alliance at info(at)carneros(dot)com.
ABOUT THE CARNEROS WINE ALLIANCE
The Carneros Wine Alliance is a non-profit association of wineries and grape-growers in the Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA). Carneros is located at the crossroads of two major wine regions, the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. A cool-climate appellation influenced by the waters of the San Francisco Bay, Carneros has long been known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine production. The Carneros Wine Alliance is committed to promoting the distinction, diversity and above all, quality, of grapes and wines from Carneros. Visit Carneros.com // @CarnerosWine - Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, #CarnerosChardonnay, #CarnerosLove.
Ashley Teplin, Teplin+Nuss, http://www.teplinnuss.com, 707.812.1919 Ext: 101, [email protected]
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