Discover the Paso Robles CAB Collective and its celebrated cabernet sauvignon, uncovering historical past and vineyard tales.
The Paso Robles CAB Collective was fashioned to advertise the wonderful high quality of the world’s cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux, and companion varieties. Let’s discover the historical past of the CAB Collective and the wineries that make up this group. We provide a glimpse of a number of the CAB Collective wineries, together with: Allegretto Wines, Benom Wines, Calcareous Winery, Chateau Margene, Copia Vineyards and Vineyard, Daou Vineyards, Eberle Vineyard, Glunz Household Vineyard & Cellars, LXV Wine, McPrice Myers Wines, Robert Corridor Vineyard.
Concerning the Paso Robles CAB Collective
The Paso Robles CAB Collective (cabernet and Bordeaux) was established in 2012 to showcase the complete potential of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Space (AVA) in producing excellent-quality, basic, and age-worthy cabernet sauvignon and crimson Bordeaux wines. This non-profit group welcomes all Paso Robles wineries that develop superior-quality cabernet sauvignon and crimson Bordeaux varieties, together with cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot, and malbec.
The Paso Robles CAB Collective was the concept of the Daou brothers, Daniel and Georges. Their imaginative and prescient of rising cabernet sauvignon in Paso Robles ignited the efforts to determine the area as a first-rate rising area.
Along with Daou Vineyards and Vineyard, the opposite founding wineries are J. Lohr Vineyards & Wine, Justin Vineyard, Eberle Vineyard, Adelaida Cellars, Halter Ranch Winery, Vina Robles Vineyards & Vineyard, and Chateau Margene. Right this moment, there are twenty-seven collaborating wineries.
Daou Vineyards Sculpture with winery view. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Historical past of Cabernet Sauvignon in Paso Robles
Within the Nineteen Seventies, Dr. Stanley Hoffman planted Paso Roble’s first cabernet sauvignon grapes. He sought the recommendation of UC Davis enologist André Tchelistcheff, who was thought of the guru of winemaking after Prohibition. Following that, a number of space pioneers got down to make their names with cabernet sauvignon. The primary is Gary Eberle, godfather of the Paso Robles Wine Trade. Gary got here to Paso Robles in 1973. He was a founding associate in Estrella River Vineyard & Vineyards. Within the late 70s, Gary determined to enterprise out independently and established Eberle Vineyard. In 1979, Eberle launched his first cabernet sauvignon.
Enamored with Bordeaux, Justin Baldwin, founding father of Justin Vineyard, planted 72 acres of Bordeaux varieties in 1981. His first Bordeaux, Isosceles, was launched in 1987.
Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines planted his cabernet sauvignon vines in 1986. J. Lohr remains to be family-owned.
These males paved the path for cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux wine to turn into mainstays within the Paso Robles area. Right this moment, cabernet sauvignon has turn into a recognized grape selection in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles CAB Collective Wineries
On a current go to to Paso Robles, I had the chance to go to lots of the CAB Collective member wineries. Every has its tackle perfecting cabernet sauvignon and the opposite Bordeaux wines. As well as, the winery location and micro-climate are all components within the wine model every vineyard creates.
Allegretto Wines
Allegretto Wines is a part of the Tuscan-style Allegretto Resort, owned by Doug Ayres. The resort embodies the theme of a refuge, a spot to calm down and invigorate the senses by way of artwork, wine, and spirituality. The resort includes a seven-acre winery farmed organically, sustainably, and biodynamically that in the end produces elegant wines that match the property’s ambiance. Wine, in essence, personifies the resort’s character.
The Tuscan-styled courtyard on the Allegretto Resort. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Historical Peaks
Historical Peaks Margarita Vineyards represents the southernmost area in Paso Robles, referred to as the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. This winery has 5 totally different soils and has one of many coolest and longest rising seasons within the area.
On the identical time, Santa Margarita Ranch is considered one of California’s oldest constantly operated cattle ranches, and the Historical Peaks homeowners are actively concerned in its ranching operations.
The title Historical Peaks pays tribute to the Santa Lucia Mountains that border Margarita Winery. These peaks characterize the advanced geology and marine local weather influencing the winery’s terroir. This distinctive geography is mirrored within the wines produced, together with these of Bordeaux varieties.
Soils Samples and Rocks from Historical Peaks Vineyard. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Benom Wines
Paso Robles’ French affect is clear in Benom Wines. Many French expatriates make wine within the space and are linked by way of household and marriage. The French pronunciation of Benon is binôme, which implies a challenge collectively. The vineyard is a enterprise between two brothers, Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre. Guillaume, the winemaker, can be recognized for his vineyard Clos Soléne. Benom is an endeavor to discover the household ties between the brothers, their heritage, and their love.
They deal with using the Bordeaux grapes however including a contemporary bent to the wines by including Rhône and Spanish grapes. The wines ship stability, magnificence, and integrity in a classical but up to date model.
Arnaud Fabre along with his Benom Wines. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Calcareous Winery
Calcareous Winery is a spot with limestone soils. Its wine speaks of the terroir and calcareous soils. Perched atop a plateau within the Adelaide District, the romance with this vineyard is the views loved over an artisan lunch or wine tasting throughout a go to.
Not solely do the soils affect the wines produced, however the vineyard’s location, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, is influenced by the diurnal swings—the distinction between excessive and low temperatures—brought on by the Templeton Hole and Salinas Valley fogs.
Winemaker Jason Joyce’s affect can be mirrored within the wines. He believes in outdoors tanks and heat fermentation. Though Calcareous shouldn’t be licensed, Joyce believes in dry farming with natural and biodynamic practices.
Calcareous Winery Wooden Wine Field
Chateau Margene
I first sampled Chateau Margene at a wine-tasting luncheon about ten years in the past. I used to be impressed with their distinctive but true-to-Bordeaux mix. Michael Mooney lives and loves Bordeaux. His ardour set him on a path that started in 1997 when he bought his property in what’s now the Creston District of Paso Robles.
The Creston District lies on an outdated erosional plateau on the base of the La Panza Vary. Alluvial terraces and followers of Huerhuero Creek produce granite and sedimentary rock soils. Chateau Margene wines are distinct however replicate the district. These wines remind you of Bordeaux, proving that Michael’s love of Bordeaux comes by way of in every glass.
Chateau Margene Cabernet Franc. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Copia Vineyards and Vineyard
Copia means abundance and a lot in Latin. For Anita and Varinder Sahi, it’s sharing the abundance of their wine. They’re captivated with sharing the wines they create from their Willow Creek and Adelaide District vineyards. The Sahi love of meals and wine, together with their vitality, comes by way of in every bottle of Copia Vineyards and Vineyard wine.
Copia Wines. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Daou Vineyards
The property the place Daou sits was referred to as the Hoffman Mountain Ranch, which is now within the Adelaide District of Paso Robles. Daou Mountain’s steep slopes, located at 2,200 toes, supply a perfect location for rising Bordeaux varieties, particularly cabernet sauvignon. André Tchelistcheff described the world as “a jewel of ecological parts.” One of many highlights of visiting Daou is the magnificent views.
Though Daou produces different varieties, it’s recognized for its cabernet sauvignon. Soul of the Lion is considered one of my favorites. The wine represents the story of the brothers’ discovery of Daou Mountain, their ardour, and the vineyards which might be the soul of their wines.
The patio at Daou Winery with a rainbow view. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Eberle Vineyard
Gary Eberle takes a really hands-on method to ingratiating guests to his wines at Eberle Vineyard. Barring unhealthy climate, Gary perches himself on the entrance of his Estrella District vineyard, greeting each customer along with his two Normal Poodles. On the identical time, he shares his information of rising grapes in Paso Robles. His imaginative and prescient is what helped make Paso Robles what it’s as we speak.
Eberle Vineyard Cave. Photograph by Cori Solomon
Glunz Household Vineyard & Cellars
The Glunz Household Vineyard & Cellars story goes again 5 generations to Chicago throughout the 1870s when Louis Glunz got here to the USA and have become a wine, beer, and spirit service provider. He was the unique bottler for Schlitz beer. Persevering with by way of Prohibition, Louis made sacramental wine. The Glunz Household is the epitome of the American Dream. Wine has been of their veins.
The vineyard is within the Geneseo District, the place you possibly can see firsthand the passions of brothers Stephan and Matt Glunz.
My Favourite Wine: Petit Verdot. It is a wonderful rendition of this selection. The grapes are hand-harvested and crushed by the six members of the family—the wine ages in French and American oak for 22 months.
Tracing Glunz Household Vineyard & Cellars historical past by way of corks and classic bottles. Photograph by Cori Solomon
LXV Wine
LXV Wine is about bringing out the spice in life and wine. By way of spices, one learns a special manner of tasting wine. How does one spice have an effect on a wine versus one other? For Neeta Mittal, the first Indian girl to personal a vineyard in the USA, it’s about flavors and senses.
At LXV, we respect our journey between meals and wine, particularly by way of Bordeaux varietals. I discovered a singular method to tasting wine.
My Favourite Wine: The Meso Cabernet Sauvignon provides a cashmere-like texture and refined nuances.
Spice Tasting at LXV. Photograph by Cori Solomon
McPrice Myers Wines
Mac Myers’ ardour comes by way of in his wines. His philosophy is to dream huge and go after what you need. He’s a self-taught winemaker who developed his love of meals and wine working at Dealer Joe’s. Myers made his first wine in 2002, however his first Paso Robles wine got here in 2005, establishing the McPrice Myers and his flagship—the Lovely Earth Collection. In 2014, he moved his vineyard to the Adelaide District of Paso Robles and later purchased the vineyard’s 84-acre Adelaida District property, the place the tasting room now resides.
My Wine Tip: The M Cabernet Sauvignon was a superb worth for the worth.
Robert Corridor Vineyard
Though this vineyard was not on my itinerary throughout my current go to, I’d be remiss to not share their deal with cabernet sauvignon. I partook in an in-depth tasting luncheon with Robert Corridor Vineyard, a vineyard within the Estrella District of Paso Robles.
At Robert Corridor Vineyard, cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties are considered otherwise. Regenerative viticulture mixed with biodynamic and sustainable practices is utilized to discover a path to higher environmental stewardship. They’re amid a three-year challenge on regenerative viticulture, by way of biodynamic farming methods and sustainable practices, to know the impact of regenerative viticultural practices on the winery’s means to sequester carbon whereas enhancing soil well being and wine high quality. Cabernet sauvignon is the main focus of this research.
Robert Corridor Vineyard Winery. Photograph Courtesy of Robert Corridor Vineyard
Paso Robles CAB Collective
Every of those wineries and different Paso Robles Cab Collective members displays its sense of place, setting them aside by way of location, soil sort, and microclimate. On the identical time, they unite to inform the story of Paso Robles wine. We invite you to discover Wander With Surprise to find out about our favourite California wines.
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