Grape’s typical characteristics

This most widely known white varietal is originally from the Burgundy region of France. It is full-bodied, complex, dry, and usually darker yellow-gold in color. It ages well in oak barrels which gives the wine a distinctive aroma like vanilla or hazelnuts. After the initial fermentation process, it is sometimes put through a secondary malolactic fermentation which imparts toasty, buttery characteristics to both the wine’s aroma and flavor. Chardonnay is the principal grape in the production of Champagne. It pairs well with any poultry and Vietnamese cuisine and is wonderful with fruits, strong cheeses, and capers. Also works beautifully with grilled freshwater fish. On a hot day, a very cold Chardonnay served with a plate of figs or chutney, balsamic vinegar, and a salty hard cheese is quite refreshing. 

Our Chardonnay is a California-styled, fruit-forward wine aged in stainless steel for a crisp mouth feel, not buttery as is typical of Chardonnays. Flavors point to tart green apple, with a hint of nuts and almonds. 

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Grape’s typical characteristics

Rich deep color. Frequently has a spicy aroma with floral notes of violet and flavors of black fruits. Produces a medium-bodied wine. This wine shows its heritage as one of the elite varietals from Bordeaux. Pairs well with autumn and winter vegetable stews and roasts. Perfect with asparagus quiche, roasted vegetables, or braised lamb. 

Grape’s typical characteristics

Sangiovese is Italy’s most famous grape and the main grape of the Chianti region. It dates back to the 6^th century BC. Sangiovese wines are influenced greatly by the soil and climate where grown and from the production techniques applied. Wines made from Sangiovese grapes can vary widely in quality from superbly structured with a full body to a simple table wine. Enjoy this nice light red wine with a traditional Italian meal. Pairs well with pizza, steak, lamb and game meats, spicy cappelini puttanesca, or any tomato-based pastas. 

 Our '07 Sangiovese was grown at two locations on the estate and aged in French and American oak barrels. Each "lot" is fermented separately, barrel aged, then blended, allowing each lot's different characteristics to contribute to the finished wine's overall taste and aroma profile.

the 2007 Sangiovese shows a medium ruby hue. The wine displays lovely red berry and floral aromas, followed on the palate by bright flavors and acidity. A long and balanced finsih completes the wine.

The Sangiovese is a perfect match to pasta with rich tomato-based sauce, hearty soups and stews, or grilled spicy Italian sausage!  

Grape’s typical characteristics

Barbera is an Italian type of grape grown extensively in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is the second most widely used grape, next to Sangiovese. Barbera was traditionally used for production in simple table wine but modern techniques (including oak barreling) enabled the grape to produce a more sophisticated wine. It has a long history in California and a promising future. Typically a full-bodied wine of deep ruby color, rustic, and aromatic. Pairs well with savory casseroles, roasted meats and stews. Try with a creamy mushroom soup, white beans with olive oil, basil, and a crusty loaf of herbed bread. 

 Like in '06, our 2007 Bella Piazza Barbera was grown at three locations on the estate, and each "lot" is fermented separately. The different vineyard locations each contribute a unique element to the finished wine. The 2007 Barbera has a delicate garnet color, some smoky cherry and spice notes on the nose, and warm, rich fruit flavors with bright acidity. The wine is aged in 20% French oak and 80% American oak barrels for 14 months, and finishes with length and elegance. This wine will age nicely for five years.

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Grape’s typical characteristics

Montepulciano is rare in California. It is a red grape grafted from a vineyard in central Italy, grown in Tuscany, and brought to California. There are only two places in California where you will find a Montepulciano grape. Blackberry fruit flavors and spicy, peppery qualities abound. Montepulciano is best served around 60 degrees F and goes well with red sauce dishes.  

This fine wine can easily be cellared for five years and is best served at room temperature.  

Grape’s typical characteristics

The Shiraz grape originated in the Rhone Valley of France where it’s known as Syrah. It is a gorgeous, deep purple colored grape that loves the sun and is full of sugars and tannins, allowing it to age very well. The California sun and the rocky grounds are perfect for this type of grape, and give it its earthy and dry taste. The Syrah is deeply colored, full bodied, and brimming with structure and elegance. (Syrah has no relation to Petite Sirah.) Pairs well with grilled and barbequed meats, pork and venison, or fish and poultry that are very light on sauces. Nice with a hunk of rustic bread and olive oil. 

 Grown on 5 1/2 acreson our estate, the nose on the 2007 Syrah is heady and slightly toasted, with dark fruit and tobacco aromas. The palate is full, lucious, and balanced with roast coffee and sweet fruit flavors. Soft tannins lead to a soft and silky finish.

The Syrah was aged for 19 months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels and will reward patient cellaring. 

Grape’s typical characteristics

Zinfandel probably originated in Croatia, and it is one of the most widely planted red grapes in California. Zinfandel became popular in the mid-1800s during the California Gold Rush. Zinfandel is a mouth-filling dry red wine with a lot of spice in the finish. It is a fruit forward wine which is best drunk young (or only after a couple years in bottle) and has a jammy aroma. Flavors are typically spicy; clove, pepper, etc. A deep purple-red wine that has a full body and is usually high in alcohol content. The hot summer days and cool nights are just perfect for Zinfandel in our valley. Some of the oldest vineyards in California are Zinfandel. To use the term old vine the vines have to be at least 40 years old. The Shenandoah Valley has vines up to 140 years old. Zinfandels pair well with traditional barbeque fare like chili, burgers, and fried chicken; foods heavy on spice and flavor. It can hold its own out of a plastic glass at a picnic or in fine crystal glass. 

Esola Old Vine Zin

Plum, jam, and spice 

Rio Volpe Old Vine Zin

 Displaying a bright ruby hue, the 2007 Rio Volpe delivers aromas of cherry, rasberry, cinnamon, and black currant. On the palate, almond, spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, rasberry, and blackberry flavors are supported with moderate tannins. The elegant acidity yields a long and silky finish. Pairs well with spicy and barbeque foods like fried chicken, burgers, and Latin cusines.

You may enjoy 2007 Rio Volpe now, but could also benefit from aging for several more years.

Wine’s standard description

A full-bodied, sweet wine that is the perfect liquid dessert. Port (also known as Vinho do Porto, Oporto, or Porto) is a sweet, fortified, Portuguese wine from the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. Wines in the style of the Portuguese product called port are produced around the world in several countries, most notably Australia, South Africa, India, Canada, and the United States. However, under European Union guidelines, only the product from Portugal may be labeled as Port. In the United States, Federal law mandates that the Portuguese-made product be labeled Porto or Vinho do Porto. Port or Porto wines are produced from various types of grapes and then fortified with the addition of distilled grape spirits, often cognac, in order to boost the alcohol content. It is great with chocolate or cigars, or well-aged cheeses such as bleu. 

This Port is always a blend of predominantly Zinfandel (Fox Creek grapes, about 70%) and another varietal, usually either Barbara or Montepulciano (about 30%). Fortified with same premium spirits as the Villa Toscano Port. 20.2% alcohol.