October 24th - This Date in Wine History

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

• Titus Flavius Domitianus, Roman Emperor known as Domitian, who banned planting of vineyards in order to increase grain production in the Empire was born in 51 CE.

• Pierre-Cécile Puvis de Chavannes the French painter died in 1898.  He is known for his work, The Wine Press.

• Cotes-de-Provence AOC was created in 1977.

• California's Alexander Valley AVA was designated in 1984.

• California's Central Coast AVA was designated in 1985.

• The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC classification was created in 1995.

• The French have a saying, « Quand arrive la Saint-Magloire, vigneron sait ce qu'il peut boire. » or "When the Saint-Magloire arrives, the winemaker knows what he can drink. "

October 24th - This Date in Wine History

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

• Titus Flavius Domitianus, Roman Emperor known as Domitian, who banned planting of vineyards in order to increase grain production in the Empire was born in 51 CE.
• Cotes-de-Provence AOC was created in 1977.
• California's Alexander Valley AVA was designated in 1984.
• California's Central Coast AVA was designated in 1985.
• The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC classification was created in 1995.
• The French have a saying, « Quand arrive la Saint-Magloire, vigneron sait ce qu'il peut boire. » or "When the Saint-Magloire arrives, the winemaker knows what he can drink. "

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  It is the second largest appellation within Sonoma County.  It contains myriad elevations, soil types and climates.  It was designated, in large part to allow the term, "Estate" to be applied to vintages from large producers like Gallo and Rodney Strong but is home to some small producers as well.  The primary grape produced in this area is Cabernet Sauvignon but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are grown here as well.

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  It is the second largest appellation within Sonoma County.  It contains myriad elevations, soil types and climates.  It was designated, in large part to allow the term, "Estate" to be applied to vintages from large producers like Gallo and Rodney Strong but is home to some small producers as well.  The primary grape produced in this area is Cabernet Sauvignon but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are grown here as well.

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.

Alexander Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

Alexander Valley 

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The Alexander Valley AVA is located north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County and was granted status as an AVA in 1984. The Alexander Valley is the largest wine region in all of Sonoma and is also the most heavily planted. The Russian River flows through the valley, surrounded by vineyards on both sides, leading to a very picturesque setting. The signature alluvial soil of the region allows a variety of different vines to flourish here. The Russian River provides early morning fog that covers the lower vineyard areas until it burned off by the morning sun. During the afternoon, the Alexander Valley is one of the hottest areas in Northern California but come evening, the valley cools down significantly. The wide diurnal temperature cycle allows fruit to ripen slowly and retain acidity, leading to a more balanced wine. Wines from the Alexander Valley are known for their luxurious mouth feel and bright flavors. The Alexander Valley produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.