Greystone Cellars Petite Sirah 2014
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Try this Petite Sirah with pulled pork or other meat dishes of lamb, pork or game and their hearty sauces!
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.
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!