Greg Graziano, Redwood valley, Mendocino
Greg Graziano, as one can
tell from his name, a man of Italian heritage who has been making wine here
high up in the Redwood forests of Northern California for over 30 years. His
site is as far north as one can go in the Mendocino wine region on route 101
that heads north from Ukiah to the Oregon border.
I have started off with two wines from his own label. They are both stunning
and full bodied examples of these varietals, both unique to this wine
region. In time I will expand to his other brand names, Enotria and Monte
Volpe and some really exciting Italian influences such as Dolcetto, Nebbiolo,
Dolcetto, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Peppolino to name but six!
2004
Zinfandel
Our Zinfandel comes from eighteen
different Zinfandel vineyards scattered throughout the benchlands and
hillsides of Mendocino County. Many of these vineyards are still farmed by
3rd and 4th generation Italian-Americans. This vintage displays a rich dark
purple garnet color and deep aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, plum,
spicy sandalwood with hints of toasty oak. Uplifting flavors of plum and
earth combine to give this full-bodied Zinfandel a generous mouth-feel. Rich
full tannins and balanced acidity lead into a long, lingering finish.
AWARDS
Gold Medal winner at 2007 Mendocino Wine Competition.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Enjoy with garlic and rosemary seasoned lamb chops, Italian sausage, or
spicy tomato pasta dishes. A grilled burger with melted gorgonzola in one
hand and this Zin in the other hand is what the good life is all about.
Price: £12.45
Mr Whirly says
"From the furthest northern wine region in California high up amongst the Redwood’s, Greg Graziano has been making outstanding and affordable wines here for over 30 years. Soft and with a Bakewell tart middle palate, this wine defies its 15.5% alcohol level since it is so well balanced and elegant. Mendocino is an up and coming wine region. If you like this try the Jepson Viognier from further south in the Ukiah valley."
2004
Petite Sirah
Mendocino is the largest producer of Petite Sirah in north coast of
California. Our Petite Sirah comes from several old vine vineyards and some
new high tech vineyards scattered throughout the benchlands and hillsides of
Mendocino County. The wine was aged in a combination of Eastern European and
American oak barrels for 20 months that soften the tannins and add
complexity to wine. This wine offers deep aromas and delicious flavors of
ripe blackberries, chocolate and spice. Typical of Petite Sirah, this wine
displays rich, round tannins that lead to long, lingering finish.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Roasted meats such as lamb and beef or hearty
venison stew bring out the true flavors of this wine.
Price :
£12.95
Prices...
(all prices are per bottle and ex vat.
Unless stated the bottles are 750ml)
Whilst Whirly wine will endeavour to maintain prices
at the same level we reserve the right to change the prices of the wines
without given notice. This will invariably be due to the fluctuation of
currency rates and therefore beyond our control
Wines will be delivered, where possible, within 48 hours but this cannot be guaranteed. The majority of deliveries throughout the UK will be charged at a set rate of £9.95 plus VAT but this depends on the number of cases ordered and exactly where the delivery is to in the UK. Please ask for delivery rates at the time of ordering. Delivery from the “ Whirly Van” will be charged at £7.50 plus VAT.
Whirly wine reserves the right not to sell any wine to anyone who it suspects of being less than 18 years old