Calwineries

Always a magnet for controversy, Fred Franzia, owner of Bronco Wine, is in news again. He is accused of copying the label of Santa Barbara Winery with his new product, Santa Barbara Landing ($4.99 at Trader Joe’s).

The movement to protect wine label accuracy in the United States is gaining momentum, and the powerful California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is throwing its weight behind the issue.

One of the reasons Pinot Noir is such tricky wine to make is that just the right amount of tannin needs to be extracted from the grapes’ delicate skins. During fermentation, the cap floats to the top of the container and needs to be periodically resubmerged.

A recent study conducted by Fairbank, Maslin & Associates shows that consumers are very concerned about geographical accuracy in wine labels. More specifically, the survey reveals that 85% of consumers are conscious of location when making wine purchasing decisions.

Today, Jeff Lefevere of Good Grape wrote an interesting post entitled, Where Does Elitism Come From in the Wine Industry? The push and pull of elitism and populism is one of the most difficult dichotomies that the wine industry faces. It manifests itself in every aspect of the business, from production to marketing/sales. I think that Jeff illuminates the opposing, incompatible forces on both sides of this debate quite well.

California’s wine industry recently got good marks from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). According to the 2006 progress report, there has been a 24% increase in wineries and grape growers who use “green” techniques and business practices.

The Napa Valley is arguably the most famous wine region in California, so it is no surprise that three wines made the 2006 Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Two Chardonnays and a Cabernet Sauvignon were included.

Over the course of his 30 year tenure as winemaker at Beringer Vineyards, Ed Sbragia has made many award winning wines. He recently returned to he roots when he established his own label in the Dry Creek Valley AVA.

Dear Calwineries Members, we had an unfortunate incident yesterday where we lost a few comments. The exact cause of this mishap is under investigation, but be assured that we are getting to the bottom of this.

Edna Valley is one of those special California AVAs that seems to excel at producing any varietal that is planted. There is a long history of grape growing and winemaking in Southwestern San Luis Obispo County that dates back to the Spanish Missionary days.