Greystone Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2011
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Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and professional wine studies. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio). In addition to its degree and certificate programs, the CIA offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, The CIA at Greystone is housed in a magnificent stone winery building, which was built in 1889 as Greystone Cellars.
In more recent history, the Greystone building was known as Christian Brothers from 1950 until 1990, when the CIA purchased the property. The beloved winemaker of the Christian Brothers, Brother Timothy, was an avid collector of corkscrews, and his collection, one of the most impressive in the world, is on permanent loan to The CIA at Greystone, and the inspiration for the Greystone Cellars wine labels. Since 1995, one of Greystone’s neighbors, Markham Vineyards, has been producing a small amount of Greystone Cellars wines exclusively for the CIA, under the stewardship of Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls and President Bryan Del Bondio. With the national launch of Greystone Cellars® wines, the CIA and Markham Vineyards bring the highest-quality California wines at the best possible value to a larger audience. Greystone wines are approachable, easy to drink, and befitting their connection to the CIA, enhance the culinary experience of any meal at which they are served. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Greystone Cellars wines will benefit the CIA at Greystone, a not-for-profit institute of higher education.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production, if California were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine-producing nation. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of red wine styles, and unlike tradition-bound Europe, experimentation is more than welcome here. California wineries range from tiny, family-owned boutiques to massive corporations, and price and production are equally varied. Plenty of inexpensive bulk wine is made in the Central Valley area, while Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive “cult” wines.
Each American Viticultural Area (AVA) and sub-AVA of has its own distinct personality, allowing California to produce red wine of every fashion: from bone dry to unctuously sweet, still to sparkling, light and fresh to rich and full-bodied. In the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate vineyard acreage. Sonoma County is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Zinfandel. The Central Coast has carved out a niche with Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah, while Mendocino has found success with cool climate varieties such as Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. With all the diversity that California wine has to offer, any wine lover will find something to get excited about here.