Wine: Summers Estate Wines: Charbono

California

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Summer Estate Wines

Jim Summers purchased a 28-acre vineyard in Knights Valley in 1987. At that time it was mostly Merlot grapes with some Muscat Canelli. The first production of Summers Ranch Merlot was the 1992 vintage, and we increased the yield to reach a maximum of 2000 cases.

In 1996 we expanded our vineyard holdings to include 25 acres at the corner of Highway 128 and Tubbs Lane. This Napa Valley property carries the name Summers Estate Wines, with the vineyard designation of Villa Andriana Vineyard, named after our daughter. The property has been completely transformed to recognize its full potential. With a winery/tasting room, entertainment center, bocce ball court, picnic area and 22+ acres of vines (Zinfandel, Charbono, and Cabernet Sauvignon) we think it a perfect balance of pleasure and productivity.

Creating red-wine from grapes grown on small acreages in both Napa Valley and Knights Valley is the passion of Beth and Jim Summers.  The signature, “unique” wine offered by Summers is Charbono.  The name is thought to be an early Italian immigrant version of Charbonneau, a French varietal. Some strongly believe that this variety is a close relative to the Dolcetto variety, widely grown in northern Italy. The vine bears very large berries that are used to make a very dark red wine that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is full of fruit flavor and low in tannins.

The vines for this varietal yield large berries, which make a dark red wine with soft, round tannins. Summers Estate Wines produced only 2,000 cases of the 2006 Napa Valley Estate Charbono-Villa Adriana Vineyard. The wine is aged eleven months in American oak, and features bright fruit flavors. Enjoy the wine now, or a decade from now, with rabbit, pasta, sausage pizza, or simply by itself for a winter drink by the fireplace.

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