Growing Gold on the Vines Growing Gold on the Vines OR OR What you need to know to become an expert What you need to know to become an expert on the best BARBERA’s in California!!Researched and Compiled by: Dick Minnis

Seminar Outline History of Barbera History of Barbera Viticulture of Barbera Viticulture of Barbera Shenandoah Valley’s Terroir Shenandoah Valley’s Terroir Why that Matters Why that Matters Barbera Wine Styles Barbera Wine Styles Food Pairings Food Pairings

Italian Barbera Country

History  Originated in Piedmont around Monferrato and was well established by the 13 th Century  Earliest Historical reference around 663AD  Third most widely planted Italian Varietal  Believed to have grown spontaneously from seeds of local varieties….DNA evidence indicates it is genetically related to Mourvedre  Il Barbera vs. La Barbera  Forty Niner’s believed to have brought Barbera to Amador County

Barbera Acreage  Comparative Acreage in 1982 State – 1897 acres State – 1897 acres Sierra Foothills – 1 acre (Amador Co.) Sierra Foothills – 1 acre (Amador Co.)  Comparative Acreage in 2007 State – 7503 acres State – 7503 acres Sierra Foothills – 250 acres (Amador Co. 151) Sierra Foothills – 250 acres (Amador Co. 151)

Barbera Acreage  Plantings prior to 1982  State 1897 acres  Sierra Foothills 1 acres (Amador Co.)

Barbera Viticulture  Adaptable but thrives best in poor soils  Needs pruning to check vigorous growth  Naturally acidic grape  Likes warm days and cool nights  Resistant to pests, disease, and mildew

The Grape  Medium size bunches  Pyramid shape  Deep blue oval medium sized berries  Medium sized 5 lobed leaf w/tormentose  Often needs extensive hang time to soften acids and ripen tannins  Usually picked from late Sept. to early Oct.  Recognized by violet red fall color

Barbera Grapes

Mediterranean Climate

Shenandoah Valley

Amador County Wine Country  Amador is a typical Mediterranean climate  Temperature: generally moderate with a comparatively small range between winter lows and summer highs.  Precipitation: almost all measurable moisture occurs in winter.  The Distance from the coast and elevation have a significant impact on temperature extremes.  The Delta Breeze and the mountains to the East provide significant nighttime cooling.

Why a Mediterranean Climate Matters Minimum Barbera Requirements Minimum Barbera Requirements  1600 Hours of Sunshine per year…(200 sunny 8 hour days).  Temperature greater than 50 o F for at least 2500 hours per year…(104 days).  an annual mean rainfall of at least 23 inches. These are only general guidelines…for example; planting on a South facing slope can lower the sunshine requirement. These are only general guidelines…for example; planting on a South facing slope can lower the sunshine requirement.

Climate’s Effect on Grape Physiology Photosynthesis – sunlight stimulating chloroplasts to produce color and sugar….ceases at sunset regardless of temperature. Photosynthesis – sunlight stimulating chloroplasts to produce color and sugar….ceases at sunset regardless of temperature. Phenolic Ripening – development of Varietal specific flavors and tannins….. continues at night if temperature remains above 50 o F….but stops if temperature exceeds 100 o F day or night. Phenolic Ripening – development of Varietal specific flavors and tannins….. continues at night if temperature remains above 50 o F….but stops if temperature exceeds 100 o F day or night. Acidity – Grapes perspire their acidity, consequentially those grown in warmer climates typically have lower acidity than those grown in cooler climates unless the grape is naturally acidic. Acidity – Grapes perspire their acidity, consequentially those grown in warmer climates typically have lower acidity than those grown in cooler climates unless the grape is naturally acidic.

Sierra Foothills 2,600,000 Surface Acres Elevation generally between feet. Elevation generally between feet. 6,163 acres of Vineyards or 1.3% of the State’ 471,887 acres. 6,163 acres of Vineyards or 1.3% of the State’ 471,887 acres. Shallow Mountain soils stress the vines, giving moderate/low yields of high quality grapes. Shallow Mountain soils stress the vines, giving moderate/low yields of high quality grapes. Mediterranean Climate significantly influences the quality of Amador Grapes.. Mediterranean Climate significantly influences the quality of Amador Grapes..

Barbera ‘08 % Barbera Acreage % Barbera Acreage State – 7503 acres Sierra AVA – 250 acres or 3.3% or 3.3% 2008 State Fair Medals 2008 State Fair Medals Barbera Total – 27 Barbera Sierra AVA – 22 or 81.5% or 81.5%

Barbera ‘09 Barbera Acreage Barbera Acreage State – 7503 acres Sierra AVA – 250 acres or 3.3% or 3.3% 2008 State Fair Medals 2008 State Fair Medals Barbera Total – 37 Barbera Sierra AVA – 25 or 67.5% or 67.5%

Barbera Wine Styles  Amador Co. definitely produces La Barbera  Reduced Yields give better balanced Fruit  Young Wines have a Fruity Floral Nose  Accents of Red Fruits and Black Cherries  Lush Plum, Hints of Spice and Black Pepper are all possible are all possible  Young Wines have a Dark Ruby Color that will turn Garnet then lighten with Brown Edges

More Style  High in Anthocyanins and Natural Acidity  Low in Tannins  Barrel Aging adds Complexity and Stabilizes Color  Peaks in 6-8 years from Vintage but well made Wines can easily last a Decade  Think Cab with Higher Acid and Lower Tannins

Food Pairings  Absolutely Great Food Wine  Serve cool - let it breathe (15-20)  Acidity and Fruit go with nearly everything  Pasta, Tomato Sauces, Grilled Meat Dishes, Barbecue Chicken, and Pizza to name a few  Generally not a match with most Seafood or salads with vinegar dressing…smoked Salmon being an exception.

Thank You for Listening Now,…lets see what you’ve learned as we work our way through a vertical tasting of the 2002 through 2007 Bray Vineyard Barberas! Now,…lets see what you’ve learned as we work our way through a vertical tasting of the 2002 through 2007 Bray Vineyard Barberas! Questions ???