Dancing Coyote Verdelho 2010
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Chad Joseph, has been making wines for Dancing Coyote Wines, since the inception of the brand in 2001. He loves that despite their size, they are renegades in the industry - from planting unique varietals, to trying new winemaking techniques and new packaging, such as kegs and now, cans! His focus is letting wines naturally become what they want to be - letting terroir (a wine’s “sense of place”) happen. According to Chad, “This might mean more wild fermentations, minimizing filtering and fining, and in general, taking more risks. To make artistic wines you can’t be afraid of making mistakes. You have to have faith and let things ride.” His passion for wine extends from the vineyard to the finished product. It’s not unusual for him to show up on weekends and work behind the tasting room counter!
While capable of making a delightful Portugeuse dry white wine, great as an aperitif and for pairing with raw fish and oysters, Verdelho is also a major grape in the production of Madeira. While many less expensive Madeira wines can be blends of different years or grapes, including Verdelho, single-varietal Madeira represent the highest quality versions that also have long aging capacities. Sercial, Boal, Malmsey and Verdelho are the best Madeira grapes. Of the four, Verdelho is the most concentrated and smoky. It is dry, intense, spicy and is flexible in food pairings. Somm Secret—Like many other fortified wines, Madeira made of Verdelho can tolerate extreme aging and some rare bottles can still be found from the late 19th/early 20th century.
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.