Wine: Summers Estate Wines: Le Nude

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.

Our 2008 La Nude Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown in the famous Arroyo Secco region in Monterey County.  This is a uniquie area where the cooling effect of the nearby Pacific Ocean allows the grapes to slowly ripen on the vine, producing a perfectly balanced wine with intense character.  Our unoaked Chardonnay was fermented and aged sur lie for 7 months in stainless steel tanks.

The wine possesses a pale straw color with tropical fruit aromas, finishing with crisp pear flavors.

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