The Napa Valley: Circa 1971

Our friend Steve Burgess of Burgess Cellars sent us this map of Napa Valley in 1971 when it had only 40 wineries. Today (how things have changed) the valley has approximately 475 wineries.

What is the cépage?

A. the building where red wines are stored in barrel, usually for two years or more

B. the variety or varieties of grapes used to make a wine

C. the time after settling when wine is moved wine from barrel to barrel

D. the process by which nutrients in soil are absorbed by the vine

The French word cépage refers to the variety or varieties of grapes used to make a wine. For example, the cépage of most wines from the Left Bank of Bordeaux is cabernet sauvignon and merlot, possibly with cabernet franc and petit

Ice

The word ice is usually used along with the word wine, as in ice wine (or eiswein). But ice can be used alone, as in “Riesling Ice.” A wine that is described simply as “ice”… Continue reading

The Napa Valley: Circa 1971

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