Chateau Diana Sparkplug Red Aged in Bourbon Barrels
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Tom and Diane Manning’s journey started in New York. As orphan with no high school education Tom knew that someday he would have a family of his own and a place to call home. One day while selling carpet a young Tom met his wife at a bus stop in Long Island. They made their way to California and in 1981 the purchased the land where the winery now sits in the heart of Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg from the Le Barron Family. The Le Barron Family was the first family in Dry Creek to have a car and they grew hops and prunes. Like the Le Baron’s the family tradition was and will always be honored. The torch at Chateau Diana has been passed onto their children Corey and Dawn Manning who now run the winery. Their wines are handcrafted by winemaker Dawne Sacchetti. As you walk the grounds you will feel of sense that although both Tom and Diane are now gone they will never be forgotten.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!