Chardonnay is not the only white wine grown in California, especially in Anderson Valley

Typically when one thinks of white wine, especially in California, Chardonnay comes to mind, but there are other unique and less know white wine varietals grown and made in California.

Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling & Muscat are all Alcase varietals originally from the Alcace region of  France on the border with Germany.  Alcace style wines are generally bottled in tall Rhine wine bottles and typically have aromatic and floral characteristics.   While some of the wines are dry or semi-dry, many are quite sweet due to their residual sugar content.  Londer actually did a unique vertical at the International Alcace Festival of their Gewurztraminer from 2005 to 2010 and it was quite interesting to taste how the wines evolved and how they became less sweet and more complex over time.

Every year in February, the Anderson Valley Wine Growers hold the International Alcace Festival to celebrate these wines.  Held at the Boonville Fairgrounds, the event provides an opportunity to taste these unique varietals grown in Anderson Valley along with some of the same varietals grown in places such as Oregon, Michigan, Germany & New Zealand.  Although probably most known most for it’s Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley winemakers produce many Alcace varietals which is why they host the annual International Alcace Festival.

If  you have never been to Anderson Valley, it’s definitely worth a visit.  The valley is very quaint and the people are super friendly.  In Anderson Valley, the winegrowers are down to earth and most consider themselves farmers who lovingly tend and cultivate the land and amazing soils in order to produce grapes that then are used to create delicious wines.   Only a couple hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley hosts two grand wine tastings a year, the International Alace Varietals in February and the Pinot Noir Festival  in May.

Check out www.avwines.com for more information on the Anderson Valley and for information on their yearly Pinot Noir and Alcace Festivals.  The Alcace festival was this past week Feb 8-10 & the Pinot Festival is May 17-19.

 

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This entry was posted on Sunday, February 17th, 2013 at 10:03 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

3 Responses to “Chardonnay is not the only white wine grown in California, especially in Anderson Valley”

  1. Edward says on February 19th, 2013 at 6:18 am :

    Thanks for this article, very interesting and informative. Does the Anderson AVA publish a list of all the wineries and vine yard farms that grow these verietals and produce these delicious wines. I would be very interested in that, especially as a wine educator. in vino veritas Ed

  2. John Cesano says on March 9th, 2013 at 7:17 am :

    Ed,

    If you visit the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room in Hopland, I will hand you a list of all the wineries the county and the wines they produce. So if you want to taste the Alsace varietals then your task will be easier. Of course, starting at McFadden, you’ll also be tasting the county’s best; we currently have one Pinot Gris, two Gewürztraminer, and two Riesling releases for you to taste. Our 2011 Riesling was judged Best Of Class at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, so we are confident your visit with us will be worthwhile.

    Cheers,

    John Cesano
    McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room
    13275 S. Hwy 101 #5, Hopland, CA 95449
    (707) 744-8463