November: A Year Abroad
We all have some preconceived notions of which wines a country is “supposed” to make. Some think of sipping Sauvignon Blanc while visiting picturesque countryside in New Zealand, others dream of bouncing around Napa tasting rooms, swirling velvety Cabernets.
What if we were to tell you many of the greatest vinous gifts many regions have to offer are often a complete surprise? Every country has its own unique terroirs, and have an abundance of microclimates that are suited to a variety of different grapes. Even Germany, the land of Riesling, is a veritable cornucopia of other varietals (like Elbling!). To say any country is only fit for only one thing, keeps you from a world of possibilities. This month’s selections will show you some of our favorite varieties, grown in unexpected places, spending time away from their heritage soils, and becoming something new and delicious in it’s own right!
DOG POINT VINEYARD
Dog Point Vineyard is one of New Zealand’s most influential and respected producers, as well as being the largest organic grower on the island. Founded by Ivan and Margaret Sutherland, and James and Wendy Healy, it was in large part the realization of a dream to return to a more terroir driven and hands-on approach to winemaking. Ivan and James had worked together at Cloudy Bay, perhaps New Zealand’s most famous producer, playing an integral role before founding Dog Point in 2004. Today, both couples are still involved, but succession plans are beginning to hand the every day goings on to the next generation of the Sutherland family.
Focusing on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, some of their plantings date back to the 1970’s and produce an incredible complexity in the wines. They use native yeasts for all but one bottling, and focus on biodiversity in the vineyards. You’ll find bees, chickens, tons of native flora, and pastures spread throughout the property upon visiting. Wandering you may even find some friendly dogs approaching you, perhaps descendants of the wandering packs and property-defending animals from which the winery draws its name.
STOLPMAN VINEYARDS
What do you do after you have already conquered the Valet Parking market, and become one of America’s top lawyers? Start a winery of course. Tom Stolpman founded Stolpman Vineyards after discovering the amazing growing characteristics of Ballard Canyon, nestled in the hills of California’s Central Coast, and was essential in getting the AVA certified.
While he started by growing Rhone varietals, and producing some of CA’s finest syrah & roussanne, the winery has expanded to so much more today. While still committed to minimal intervention, native yeast fermentation, and sustainable farming, the reigns have been passed to Peter & Jessica Stolpman, wine makers Kyle Knapp & Matt Nocas, and Vignerons Ruben & Maria Solerzano. They have planted varietals like gamay & sangiovese for their SO FRESH series, and experiment with what varieties truly thrive within Ballard Canyon.
They value experimentation as much as classic production. The high school quarterback and prom king who is also president of the A.V. Club, and for this they are one of our favorite producers.
Bodega Chacra
Bodega Chacra is the winery equivalent of Damon Albarn & David Byrne getting together for a series of South American dance albums. Started by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta and Jean Marc-Roulot, who you may know from those “little known wines” Sassicaia and Roulot respectively. The goal was to find the greatest expression of terroir in the Mainque within the Rio Negro Valley of Patagonia.
Using biodynamic & organic practices, they strive to create true wines of place. Using the vegetable and mineral biodynamic preparations, and keeping up the biodiversity of the vineyard, they are able to create healthy sustainable sites. Even their name Chacra evokes thoughts of natural energy and balance, while also referring to special plots of land in patagonia destined to be under vine.