Ancient grapes yield new flavors

Similar stories:

• The Grapevine: Mendocino has much to brag about

  The Grapevine: Mendocino has much to brag about

  The Anderson Valley gets a lot of attention these days. And why not? Pinot noir has been the darling of the wine world in recent years, and Anderson Valley is the source of some stellar pinot.

  But Mendocino County encompasses so much more than the Anderson Valley. The bulk of the county’s more than 17,000 acres of wine grapes are inland. The leading grape varieties grown there are cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, but some of the most intriguing wines are made from less-widespread varieties, especially zinfandel and Italian grapes like barbera and nero d’avola.

  It’s hardly surprising that Italian grape varieties would thrive in Mendocino County. Many of the area’s early growers and vintners were of Italian descent. John Parducci for years was the face of Mendocino County winemaking. More recently, winemaker Greg Graziano—whose grandfather planted vineyards in Mendocino County in the early 20th century — has become known for wines made from Italian varieties under the Enotria and Monte Volpe labels.

• Reworking Norman Vineyards in Paso Robles

  Reworking Norman Vineyards in Paso Robles

  A longtime member of the Paso Robles wine community, Norman Vineyards, plans to sell its 40-acre property west of Paso Robles, including the winery it has operated for nearly 20 years.

  Meanwhile, its general manager and winemaker, Steve Felten, is planning to consult while he launches his own label.

  With 23 acres of vineyards and 5,000 square feet of winery and tasting room space, Jim Norman, the founders' son, said the property is listed at about $3.8 million. Already it has garnered serious interest.

• Wine history tale unfolds at Twilight

  Wine history tale unfolds at Twilight

  Twilight Cellars will celebrate a landmark in its history Saturday at La Bellasera Hotel & Suites in Paso Robles.

  Richard and Aurora Gumerman have owned the remote winery for six years. But it was 50 years ago, they say, that winemaking pioneer Stanley Hoffman purchased the property to plant vineyards, eventually gaining international attention for commercial winemaking in the region.

  “It was pretty much left to rot before we got here,” Richard Gumerman said. “Every year, we use what little money is left and fix something else on the aging ranch.”

• Rome struggles with more snow; govt shovels issued

  Rome struggles with more snow; govt shovels issued

  Romans bewildered by their city's first big snowfall in 26 years used government-issued shovels to clear sidewalks, and kitchen utensils to clear windshields Saturday.

• Wine Notes: Cold spring helps pinot crop after recent rain

  Wine Notes: Cold spring helps pinot crop after recent rain

  Ironically, poor weather in the spring is helping protect Laetitia Vineyard & Winery’s pinot noir crop as it faces this late harvest and recent rain.

  April frosts caused a condition known as “shatter,” as grape buds were destroyed by the freeze.

  But that led to looser clusters on the pinot noir vines, said Lino Bozzano, vice president of vineyard operations for Laetitia, located south of Arroyo Grande.