3 Varietals Gaining Popularity
Budding new central coast stars.
Looking to expand your palette and try something new? This issue features three varietals that we think are up and coming. Get ahead of the trend and let us know your opinions…seriously, reach out and tell us if you think they’re the next big thing or just a fad! And maybe you’ll see the varietals at one of the many events we’ve shared in this issue as well.
3 Varietals Gaining Popularity
We’ve been noticing certain varietals pop up more and more lately on the central coast market. While none of these are new to the world of wine, they are relatively new to vineyards here in California. It’s exciting to see local wines evolve. It’s the non-traditional, experimental mindset that makes the central coast such a unique growing area, especially compared to more rigidly regulated old world wines!
Aligoté
Word on the street is that quite a few central coast vineyards are starting to plant Aligoté, which makes sense since it doesn’t mind the cool weather that coastal vineyards typically have. Aligoté comes from the Burgundy region of France and has sat in the shadows of the ever popular Chardonnay. But it really deserves a spotlight of its own.
Aligoté produces light, high acid white wines with notes of underripe stone fruits, green apple, white flowers, and flinty minerality. Overall, its a mouthwatering wine that is said to be similar to Chenin Blanc. You could even use Aligoté to try your hand at bartending. Pour some crème de cassis and top it up with Aligoté to make a traditional French apéritif called Kir. Voila!
Some producers on the central coast making Aligoté are Presqu'ile Winery and Calera. Alma Rosa Winery and The Hilt have recently planted Aligoté, so we should see a vintage in the near future.
Gamay
Hailing from Beaujolais, Gamay has become a great companion to many traditional Pinot producers along the coast. And that’s not by coincidence. Once called “the poor man’s Pinot” for its similarities to the famed varietal, it’s no longer being looked down upon as second tier. Considering the sometimes eye watering price of Pinot Noir these days, Gamay is often much more affordable and packs just as much punch.
Typically known for being more light bodied, it can be filled with notes of cherry, black currant, raspberry, and strawberries. All flavor profiles you’ll be familiar with if you’re already a Pinot lover. Where Gamay does outshine it’s cousin, is in its versatility. A winemaker can wield it to produce different flavors and even produce chilled versions that are perfect for a hot midsummer day.
Some producers on the central coast making Gamay are La Bas, Donnachadh, Mr. Brightside Wine, Pali Wine Co., Scar of the Sea, Lucy Wines, and the Uncorked bottle of week by Holus Bolus down below!
Vin Gris
Upgrade your typical rosé for some vin gris! Vin Gris, like rosé, isn’t actually a varietal, but rather a style of winemaking made from red grapes. In fact, one of most common varietals vin gris is made from is Gamay! You will also see vin gris made from Pinot Noir or Grenache.
Unlike rosé, vin gris spends basically no time on the skins before it is pressed and fermented and, as a result, has almost no color to it. This is where it gets its name from, meaning gray wine in French. While gray wine isn’t the most attractive name, vin gris is attractive in so many other wines. It’s generally a modestly priced wine that is extremely refreshing, an ideal summer sipper.
Some producers on the central coast making vin gris are Sea Creatures Wine, Alma Rosa Winery, Birichino, Solomon Hills Estate, and Stolpman Vineyards.
Uncorked
The Joy Fantastic Gamay
Like many other vineyards along the central coast, The Joy Fantastic Vineyard grafted some Pinot Noir over to Gamay and haven’t looked back since. The Vineyard is in Sta. Rita Hills and, with 25% whole cluster inclusion, shows off a bright, yet spicy palette that the area is known for. With certifications and years of experience, winemakers, Peter and Amy, are a wealth of knowledge and have the best attitude! They have a super fun and approachable side label called Wineslut and make wine exclusively for the Hollywood Bowl.
Nose: freshly picked raspberries
Palette: red currant, white pepper
Pairs well with: roasted eggplant, chicken tagine with apricots and olives
Available at: Holus Bolus tasting room in Los Olivos, Meritage Wine Market in Santa Barbara
P.S. They also have an absolutely hilarious Instagram account called @amys_tasting_room_diaries
What’s Happening
There’s a lot of events happening over the weekend for the Taste of Santa Barbara celebrating Santa Barbara wine and food. We’ve featured just a few below but to see the full list go here.
Taste of Santa Barbara Soirée: With a lineup of multiple local chefs and wines highlighting the region, this is one of the standout events of the weekend this Friday, May 17th. Tickets start at $200 per person.
Bodega Rosé Release Party: Free to attend, swing by Bodega in Los Alamos Thursday, May 23rd to sample their new rosé from 5-8 PM. Food will be provided by Priedite BBQ and the event will also feature some other local rosés.
Downtown Santa Cruz Wine Walk: Sample local wines from the Santa Cruz mountains as you stroll through downtown. Tickets are $40 with over 10 participating wineries.
Las Cumbres Ranch Tour: Ever wondered what it takes to run a regenerative cattle farm? Take a tour of Santa Barbara local Las Cumbres ranch for $30 per person this Sunday, May 19th. Wine from Casa Dumetz and burgers made from the ranch’s cattle will conclude the tour.
Paso Wine Fest: One of the biggest wine festivals of the year is taking place this weekend from May 16th - May 19th. It’s the Paso Wine Fest! Tickets for the main tasting event are $175 per person, but be sure to check out all the smaller events going on too.
Rosé & Pizza Party at Foxen: Swing by the shack at Foxen 7200 for a rosé and pizza party on May 26th. There’s no cost to attend.
Cheers!