On CTV News, Leanne and I chat about how Californian wines are among the popular at the liquor store. In this segment, we focus on Sonoma.
We’re back. Let’s take a look at that map again to see Sonoma.
Tell us about Sonoma
- Birthplace of Californian wine, planted in the 1800s by Spanish missionaries
- Flagship is Chardonnay
- Judgment of Paris in 1976 – Chardonnay mostly from Sonoma like this Chard I have
Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Chardonnay
Sonoma, Napa and Monterey, California, United States
What other wines is Sonoma famous for?
- 60 varieties of grapes: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah
Handley Cellars RSM Vineyard Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley, California, United States
Handley Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley, California, United States
Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County, California, United States
Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Merlot
Sonoma, Napa and Monterey, California, United States
What’s the climate like?
- Mediterranean climate, with dry summers, wet winters
- Defining feature is the coastline – 60 miles/100 kilometres of coastline
- Marine fog keeps grapes cool in the morning, burns off
- Mountains separate coast from Valley – act like an oven, hot air rises, pulls in cool air from the ocean underneath – warm days, cool nights
- More soil types (31) exist in Sonoma than in all of France
Check out part 1 here where Leanne and I chat about Napa Valley wines.
Posted with permission of CTV.
