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Vinum Cellars is a small California Winery well-known for producing wines of the highest quality. The grapes are selected from premium coastal and cool climate growing areas within California. The wines are made by hand in small batches to allow the varietal character of each wine to express itself. Clarksburg is a special North Sacramento Delta in the Sierra Foothill wine grape appellation located near the Sierra Mountains. The area receives cool afternoon breezes from the San Francisco Bay that moderate the warm daytime temperatures. The winery is a collaboration of winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos, who first became friends while they were students at UC Davis. They share a long standing passion for Chenin Blanc and fondness for the more obscure grape varieties. After graduation, Chris went to work for Pine Ridge as an Enologist, and Richard went to Bonny Doon as their distiller. Shortly thereafter, their friendship was solidified over Chenin Blanc with the creation of their first wine, "Pointe Blanc." Currently the Vinum Cellars team is working with over 14 grape varieties from the Sierra Foothills, El Dorado and San Benito Counties to Napa Valley. Of the 110 acres of Chenin Blanc, 30 acres were planted to keep up with the increased demand and has yet to come into production. Clarksburg is the ideal climate for Chenin Blanc due to the warm days and the cool evenings, from the marine influences of the Sacramento River and its tributaries. During the springtime, they are busy leaf-pulling which allows air movement through the canopy, increasing fruit character. This is a clean, crisp offering with superb varietal presence. Touches of melon and pineapple apply the luscious fruit component which is balanced by the zippy, grapefruit-like acidity in the finish. Mesmerizing with challenging dishes from Chinese chicken salad to roast pork and even oysters on the half shell. August 2011 Classic Series Newsletter (.pdf) Classic Series August 2011 from Wine of the Month Club on Vimeo. |
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