Winemaker Notes
Indigenous to the Jura region of France, Trousseau is an intensely hued red wine grape that can make powerful wines with aging potential. Parentage analysis shows that it is related to Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Savagnin. Though no one is certain how or why, Trousseau made a long journey west across France and the Iberian Peninsula well over 200 years ago to take a second home under the alias, Bastardo, in Portugal. It is also permitted in the production of Port. Somm Secret—Trousseau also goes by the names, Maturana Tinta, Merenzao and Verdejo Negro.
Settling into the steep hills on the west side of Clear Lake, vineyards of the Clear Lake AVA are comprised mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc and Zinfandel. This area, part of the greater Lake County growing region, represents an outstanding source of high value California wines.