FFW 2021 Wine Catalogue

A long and impressive heritage of winemaking exists in the USA, dating back 300 years to the arrival of the Spanish. Where Spanish colonists went, the duology of olives and grapes followed, establishing a strong tradition of winemaking throughout theWest. 90% of wines produced are fromCalifornia, Oregon andWashington, but wine is in fact made in all 50 states. Since 1978, areas are specified as AVA (American Viticultural Area) and, as in France with Appellation d’Origine Contrôllée, this is ameans to ensure quality control and to establish global reputations. California remains the pinnacle of American wine growing, withwine regions stretching from south of Santa Barbara up toMendocino, and vast swaths of vineyards in the Central Valley (largely producing unremarkable table wine, though if you look hard you can find some real gems). The stars remain Sonoma andNapa, with the Santa Cruz Mountains, Sta Rita Hills, and Paso Robles quickly gaining ground. The famous Judgment of Paris of 1976 put California fine wines on themap for European buyers, as California wine after California wine took topmarks during an era whenNewWorld wines were routinely ignored. The normal order California

of things was upturned during the blind tasting – as journalist George Taber wrote at the time, “As they swirled, sniffed, sipped and spat, some judges were instantly able to separate an imported upstart froman aristocrat. More often, the panel was confused. “Ah, back to France!” exclaimed [one judge] after sipping a 1972 Chardonnay from the Napa Valley. “That is definitely California. It has no nose,” said another judge—after downing a Batard Montrachet ’73.” The wins led to heavy investment inCalifornia winery, and the robust industry we see today. Sadly for us, much of their topwine remains inCalifornia, due to both strong domestic demand and limited supply. However, we are very fortunate to have access to some of them. These include Harlan Estate inNapa - their “Proprietary Red” is legendary and very sought after; and Snowden inNapa, whomake Cabernet which is out of this world. Paul Draper’s Ridge wines are an honour towork with. Although famous for his Zinfandels, he alsomakes a wonderful Bordeaux- style premiumred, Monte Bello, and a fabulous, smoky Chardonnay, along withmagnificent Merlot and Petite Sirah. Robyn Potts

NEWWORLD CALIFORNIA

NAPA VALLEY

FAVOURITE PRODUCERS Ridge, Stag’s Leap, Opus One, Montelena, Dominus, Screaming Eagle and Harlan.

CLASSIC GRAPE VARIETALS

AREA UNDER VINE 17,400ha

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel.

132

WINE CATALOGUE