Wineries

Desparada Wines, A Love Letter to Paso Robles & All That Remains to Be Discovered

by nptadmin on 2021-10-09 in Filed Under: Wineries

It has been unusually hot in Napa. The weather, combined with a busy touring season has tamed us into homebodies and we find ourselves frequently enjoying quiet summer evenings at home, resting and recharging. For us, that means late nights under the stars where we partake of lovely libations and vegetables from our garden, crudité style.

Our cellars are abundant and varied, a testament to the many friends that have loved us throughout the years. The best of their harvests awaits for just the right occasion. Recently our lucky stars and a bit of serendipity led us to Vailia, winemaker of Desparada Wines in Paso Robles. It would take days to describe her aura, strength and beauty so I will skip that part; afterall it is my hope that you get to visit her and you can then personally experience the exuberance of her energy. Instead, I will focus on the magic and beauty of exploring the nuances resulting from fermentation of whites in a variety of vessels. Vailia gifted us with some of her masterpieces allowing us to have a side-by-side tasting that made our taste buds dance.

You see, Vailia’s winemaking style is playful and exploratory. Her wines push the limits and deliver radical beauty inside and out, the bottles and labels are insanely gorgeous and full of femininity. The wine is absolutely memorable.

Now, let me tell you something: The place where we rest and grow, defines our character. This is true to men as it is to wine. As my husband and I enjoyed each of the six wines featured in Desparada’s Summer Wine Collection we could not help it but be surprised by each sip. All but one of her Summer offerings are Sauvignon Blancs with the exception being a 2019 Chenin Blanc named Shell Creek; and here is where the magic begins. Cigare oak, Acacia, French Oak and even concrete serve as the resting place for her wine collection where they age sur lie under her watchful eye. The result: Delight, utter delight! I don’t even have the right words.

While we have no plan to expand our touring operation to Paso Robles we feel we would be selfish not to tell you about this gem. When it comes to women winemakers, Vailia is a super star. We are 100% confident that you will find her wine worthy of your personal wine library.

As I sat here scribbling these musings I reached out to Vailia and asked if we could do something extra for our customers. She came through with a surprising gift. If you are coveting her Summer collection please take advantage of a special 20% discount using coupon code NPT Please note that your wine won’t be shipped until environmental conditions are such that the integrity of the wine is fully preserved. For some of our friends in the south you may have to wait until November. I hear the temperatures in Texas, Florida and Louisiana are crazy

Care to stock up with their red wines? Try Soothsayer or Pegasi from their Fall collection. Fully endorsed by me. I know you will love it.

Head here to learn more about Desparada Wines https://www.desparada.com

XOXO

Javy

All About Concrete Eggs for Wine Fermentation in Napa

by nptadmin on 2015-01-12 in Filed Under: Wineries

During the winter the team and I spend significant time visiting wineries, expanding our knowledge of wine making and capturing the industry’s latest trends to ensure your wine tours are full of nuance and each of us ready to provide insights of what it really takes to create the best wines in Napa.

Perhaps you are familiar with the rising trend of distilleries of all types across the country. This has resulted in increased demand for oak barrels causing shortages for all industries that are dependent on barrel fermentation. To make up for the shortage and to explore alternative wine making processes likely to add to the body and flavoring of the wine several wine makers in Napa are now using concrete eggs for wine fermentation and obtaining outstanding results.

What is a Concrete Fermentation Egg?

Concrete has been used in Europe for a very long time but we have only seen an increase in it’s popularity in CA for the last decade. Concrete fermentation eggs are tanks that replace stainless steel or White Oak storage and provide wine makers with an insulated stable environment that facilitates fermentation. Among one of the most desirable qualities of concrete we need to highlight breathability. Wine needs oxygen to ferment and concrete is porous allowing for micro-oxygenation something that is not possible in a stainless tank. Additionally a wine fermented in concrete is not subject to the purchased flavors that are inherent to Oak and it only gives out a mild minerality that is perceived as a positive quality in lighter wines. Wine fermented in concrete has a full mouthfeel, richer color and greater purity of fruit flavor making it a perfect home for the more delicate white and rose wines.

The Darker Side

Of course, no material is perfect. Disadvantages include concrete’s sheer mass (special forklifts are needed to move concrete tanks, which come in cube, cylinder and egg shapes), difficult cleaning protocols (many techniques that work for other vessels—scrubbers, metal, very hot water, ozone, chlorine, strong acids—cause damage to concrete) and the potential for “pinking” a white wine by first using the concrete tank for red. The vessel cost is comparable to oak and here in Napa we have minimal concerns related to shipping costs with Sonoma Cast Stone building the tanks locally.

Where Can You Experience Wine Fermentation Eggs in Napa?

Hartwell Estate Vineyards

Quintessa Wine

Vineyard 29

Rudd Wines

There are many other wineries working on perfecting their concrete fermented wines. We would love to host your wine tour and introduce you to some of the best examples in the industry.

Here is to wonderful wine & friends!

Javy

Three Napa Off-The-Beaten Path Wineries You Don’t Want to Miss

by nptadmin on 2014-12-27 in Filed Under: Wineries

I hope you had a wonderful holiday. We are enjoying the slower pace and getting to know our partner wineries a little better. Yesterday over dinner a great friend and wine lover asked me to share with him some of the wineries that take you beyond Route 29. The truth is, for many of our customers the joy of a hosted wine tour is rooted in having an insider show you the hidden gems Napa Valley has to offer. I am particularly fond of these wineries and consider them a refuge during high season.

We have an insider’s list with over 25 off-the-beaten path wineries but today we want to share three with you that you may add to your own private winery repertoire.

Brown Estate

A 45 minute drive from Napa will reward you with tremendous natural scenery and outstanding wine. Brown Estate produces beautiful wines and has a gorgeous tasting room. Tasting room windows are quite small, by appointment only and not minor friendly. If you are in Napa for your second third or fourth visit ask us to include Brown Estate to your itinerary or consider purchasing a case of Brown Recluse (only 200 cases produced).

Tres Sabores

Located in St. Helena and part of the Rutherford appellation Tres Sabores is a treasure for any wine lover bucket list. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and the hosts are without question memory-makers. Tres Sabores is not your everyday wine. We favor their Zin and have several bottles of POR QUÉ NO? in our personal cellar. Tastings are by appointment only and in short supply during high season.

Anomaly

Anomaly Vineyards are also located in Saint Helena. At the base of the Mayacamas Mountains Anomaly is best known for a killer Cab. Their grounds, cellars and caves are the stuff of dreams and certainly worthy of an Instagram brag. Their wine is certified organic and winemaker Mark Porembski truly takes pride on his craft. Because cabs preserve so well you are able to purchase Anomaly in large format. Why not add a Magnum to your cellar to be enjoyed at a very special occasion such as the college graduation of your first child or your next big anniversary. We love cabs and would love for you to visit Anomaly with us.

Want the inside scoop on other exclusive wineries in Napa Valley? Let’s talk over the phone to discuss your wine preferences and I will craft the trip of a lifetime.

Javy