Darcie Kent Vineyards Gruner Veltliner Rava Black Jack

Winery: Darcie Kent Vineyards

Varietal: Gruner Veltliner

For centuries now, wineries in central and eastern Europe have been growing and cultivating the fine, pale skinned Gruner Veltliner varietal grapes for wine production. In more recent years, Gruner Veltliner has spread to several New World countries, where it is growing in popularity and is widely appreciated for its mineral-rich flavors and the fruity, spicy notes most commonly associated with the varietal. Gruner Veltliner has the much sought after ability to express many of the features of its terroir, and as such is favored by people looking for unusual and unique flavors and characteristics. Gruner Veltliner is also a highly versatile grape, and can be aged well, or used for sparkling wines and still, dry white wines of excellent quality and character.

Region: California

When it comes to New World wine regions, it is widely agreed that many of the finest wines are grown and produced in California. The long stretches of coastline and the valleys and mountainsides which come off them are ideal areas for vine cultivation, and for over a century now, wineries have found a perfect home in the hot, dry state, with many of the wines produced here going on to reach world class status. The state is greatly helped by the brisk oceanic winds which cool the otherwise hot and dry vineyards, which hold mineral rich soils covering vast areas and featuring many established wineries. The state is split into four main regions, the largest by far being the central valley which stretches over three hundred miles in length.

Country: United States

Whilst there are several strains of native grape varietals in the United States, it was the introduction of the European species which prompted the country to begin producing wines on a large scale. Over the past few centuries, experimentation and cross-breeding has produced great successes in regards to the quality and suitability of the fruit grown in states such as California, Oregon, Washington and New York, and the past few decades have seen New World wines from the United States reach much higher standards. Arguably the finest United States wines have always come out of California, where the climate and terrroir is most suitable for fine wine production. The masterful blending of classic grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, amongst others including Syrah and Chardonnay, have had world beating results in recent years, prompting many to suggest that there has never been a better time for buying and drinking United States wines.