Thornton Winemaker Declares Best Vintage
A festive atmosphere sweetened the already sweet grapes as they cascaded down from the trucks into a twisting auger at the recent first crush at Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country. Raising his champagne glass to the sky as if to thank “mother nature,” winemaker Don Reha toasted the Pinot Noir grapes that came in from a neighbor vineyard, that would soon be made into the Thornton Blanc de Noir “Methode Champenoise.”
Thornton is a traditional sparkling wine house noted worldwide as one of the most respected. After the ceremony, Don presided over a press that placed the juice into a stainless steel tank for fermentation.
“The fruit is beautiful,” he gushed. “The best vintage in the last 5 years. We’ll ferment at about 44 degrees for maximum fruit taste and acidity. The bottles will be ready to market in 36 to 48 months.”
Don joined Thornton in 2003 from Northern California where he had worked with vineyards and wineries since 1988. He has broadened the scope of wines produced by Thornton to include Italian red varietals, Zinfandels and Rhone, including Syrah. He likes distinct varietal expression, each with its own way of being processed.
The Blanc de Noir is just one of 6 “Champenoise” that Thornton will be working with this season. John and Sally Thornton founded the winery in 1988, focusing on sparkling wines. Steve, their son and president of the winery (shown left in the photo with Don) runs the day to day operation which includes Café Champagne and Thornton Jazz Concert Series.
More grapes will be coming in and Don will be busy until mid October, mostly with late harvest Zinfandel which he lets stay on the vines for a more concentrated flavor. Judging by the wide grin on his handsome features, the grapes were like greeting new friends, that he judged were the best friends he’d seen since he got to Thornton.
China Enters the Wine Market
More beer is consumed in China per person than in any other nation in the world.
I know my German friends will be in shock when they read this, but that’s the way it is in the world’s most populated country. But, the growth potential and the real eye popper is the budding wine industry. Wine consumption in China will grow at 15% per year, with brands that include: Dynasty, Changyu and Great Wall. They had an abundant harvest last year and stepped up production.France has made big bets in China and has provided needed capital and expertise. The Canadians have entered the market with their ice wine capability, a type of dessert wine made from frozen grapes. Not to be outdone, U.S. Wineries are casting a serious look at market expansion into China.
Heatwave Makes for an Early Harvest in Italy
Better hurry if you want to be in time for the harvest of Italian wines.
Hot weather is forcing the earliest harvest of grapes in a decade. The grapes grew faster and harvesting has already started in some areas. These conditions started very early in the year. Normally this is not a good development for Italian wines.
Consider the heat wave of 2003 when grapes had to be hustled into processing. Italy, France and other Mediterranean area countries are subject to extreme weather at times. 2002 and 2003 were not good vintages for Italy. It appears 2007 will be another ill-fated season.The Local Sip
Temecula is again brimming with weekend events in September.
Wilson Creek hosts the Sunrise Rotary as it presents the California Chamber Orchestra Sunday, September 9 at 6pm. Enjoy light classics, Star Wars medley and show tunes. $60. per person. Call 951-302-5415.***
The Temecula Food and Wine Classic is Saturday, September 15, 7 to 10pm at Thornton Winery. Eight of the valley restaurants will prepare creations with the wineries pouring their award-winning selections. Tickets are $93 per person and includes a souvenir glass. Call 800-802-9463 or access www.winecountryevents@aol.com.***
Callaway Vineyard and Winery has its Grape Stomp and Harvest event Sunday, September 23rd from 3 to 7pm. Visitors can stomp, squish and crush in the largest stomping vat in the valley. Prizes for the best Lucy and Desi costumes, wine tasting and an Italian feast complete the fun. $60 per person. Call 951-676-4001 for more info.***
Vino 100 in San Marcos features Crabs and Merlots Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1, 5 to 8pm. Cost is $15 760-591-9113 for more info.Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
