As you can tell by driving around the Valley, there isn’t much going on in the vineyards. We are between seasons and the vines are slowly going into dormancy. There are still leaves on some vines with others as bare as can be. In the next couple of weeks we should have a hard freeze and then all the leaves will totally vanish.
Looking back, “Vintage 2014” was a great year, even though we were concerned about the ongoing drought weather conditions it was otherwise picture perfect. Cabernet Sauvignon was king in 2014. Every year one variety seems to do better than all the rest and it was its year to shine. Production was up and so was its quality.
Looking forward, “Vintage 2015” is right around the corner. It’s hard to tell what variety will do the best next season, hopefully all of them. Sonoma grows many different wine varieties, but most of the production is from the Big 7: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the other varieties grown in Sonoma are Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cincault, Gewurztraminer, Mourvedre, Grenache, Sangiovese, Roussaane, Marsanne , Petite Verdot, Malbec and Semillion, to name a few.
So if you’re looking for something to do over the holidays, go wine tasting and check out the other wine varieties in your world-class wine neighborhood.
Oh, and almost all of them go great with turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!
David Cook owns and operates Cook Vineyard Management and hosts “In the Vine Country” on KSVY 91.3 FM every Tuesday at 4 p.m. Contact him at 707.490.8921 or cvmgrapes.com.
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