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Coffee With Class
A gift basket loaded with gourmet coffee and snacks is a present sure to be appreciated by coffee connoisseur and college students alike. Coffee gift baskets are available with both decaf, for those who enjoy the flavor, and regular coffee, for the...
Sauces for Quick Gourmet Cooking
The saying goes that "The French have a hundred sauces to disguise a few foods - and the Americans have a hundred foods disguised only by white sauce!" It is true that many great gourmet dishes involve a special sauce, which used to take hours to...
To Air Is Divine
Winemakers spend most of their time doing two things: sanitizing equipment to avoid infestation by unwanted microorganisms and keeping air away from their wine. The truth is, a little bit of air makes wine mature and mellow after it is bottled, but...
What Wise Guys Eat
When I lived in the North End of Boston, in the nineteen eighties and nineties, I hung around a neighborhood bar from time to time, called The Corner Café. It was located on Prince Street near the corner of Salem Street. And it was indeed a...
Which is for You - Blended or Varietal Wines?
Blended and varietal wines. Novice wine lovers soon come across the concept of blended and varietal wines. The two questions that spring to mind are, “what does it mean?” and “does it matter?” At the basic level, the difference is quite simple....
 
Rutherford Wine Country

The Napa Valley is world renowned for producing award winning wines. Because of its unique geography, Napa County is split up into specific regions, denoted by the term AVA (American Viticulture Area).

These individual regions are separated based on the inherent characteristics of the land and climate. There are numerous subtleties which can make one AVA best suited for Cab and another Chardonnay.

In 1850, Thomas Rutherford recognized the subtleties of an unproven plot of land that resembled Bordeaux. He subsequently planted the first vines in what was destined to become the Rutherford AVA. Rutherford's storied history has laid the foundations for the Napa Valley to become a world leader in wine production.

When Phylloxera infested the Napa Valley in the late nineteenth century, Frenchman Georges de Latour was on the front lines in the battle for the survival of Napa's vineyards. de Latour became the first person to import Phylloxera resistant root stocks for his Rutherford vineyard. This was a crucial event in Napa Valley's history, and laid the foundation for a prosperous viticulture future.

Pronounced (Phil - Ox -Erra), this Aphid like insect lives its parasitic lifecycle on vine root stocks. Its introduction marked the largest whole-sale destruction of vineyards in California's history. De Latour's import of root stocks that were not susceptible to Phylloxera effectively saved the Napa Valley, and propelled De Latour into the annals of history.

In addition, De Latour founded Inglenook winery, which helped the Napa Valley gain world wide recognition. Inglenook was the first winery to consistently win gold medals for their Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Many experts still think the 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine ever produced in the Napa Valley. But even more important, De Latour brought over a young Frenchman named Andre Tchelistcheff. As De Latour's protégé, Tchelistcheff became a legend himself, elevating Rutherford into uncharted territory.

Tchelistcheff brought new world viticulture and winemaking techniques that revolutionized Napa Valley wine. It was Tchelistcheff who coined the term "Rutherford Dust," and to many this "dust" represents the manifestation of excellence. Before his untimely passing, Tchelistcheff said "It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet." Although other AVAs successfully grow Cab, Rutherford is by far the premier Cab producing region of the Napa Valley.

The most important aspect of the Rutherford AVA is their "dust." Synonymous with soil, Rutherford's "dust" is as unique as the wine produced from this AVA. The crème de la crème of Rutherford wine comes from a narrow strip of land between the western mountains and the valley floor. This area is affectionately known as the Rutherford Bench, and vineyards in this area produce grapes with unmatched flavor and


intensity.

The intensity of Rutherford's grapes provides a challenge to even the most skilled winemakers. But Caymus Vineyards has mastered the equation for producing award winning Cabs. As one of the prominent wineries in Rutherford, Caymus Vineyards leads the way in Cabernet production. Caymus' 1990 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon was voted "Wine of the Year" in 1994 by Wine Spectator. This was just one of many awards and accolades that this Rutherford winery has enjoyed over the years, making Caymus Vineyard's wine some of the most sought after in the Napa Valley.

It is more than just Rutherford's "dust" that makes this region perfect for producing world class Cabs. The warm day-time temperature dries and heats the soil, leading to grapes with more concentrated flavors and more developed tannins. This contributes to the complexity of the Rutherford Cab, but may be overpowering if consumed to young. The young, tannic Rutherford Cab can be softened over time, unveiling the true nature the winemakers intended.

Wine embodies the heart and soul of the winemaker. Consequently, it takes more than perfect growing conditions to produce premium quality wines, the experience and expertise of the winemaker is just as important. Because of the fruit that Rutherford Vineyards produce, many of the world's premier winemakers are drawn to this historic region. Many vintners come to Rutherford to follow in the footsteps of Napa Valley legend Andre Tchelistcheff.

The effects of Tchelistcheff are still being felt through the techniques he implemented at Beaulieu Vineyards. As Rutherford's flagship winery, BV continues to build on its storied history by producing award winning Reserve Cabs. Their latest Reserve Cab received 92 points from Wine Spectator. Along with producing premium quality wines, BV boasts one of the best tasting rooms in the Napa Valley. This makes the experience of tasting their opulent wines even better.

The Rutherford AVA has more to offer than historic vineyards and wineries. The smaller wineries provide a more personal, intimate experience than their larger, more commercial counterparts. Along with this, some of the small, family owned wineries produce some of the best wine from Rutherford. Rutherford Grove Winery and Sullivan Vineyards were voted in the "top five small wineries to visit in the Napa Valley" by the Wall Street Journal.

The combination of vibrant wines and beautiful tasting rooms, make Rutherford one of the premier destinations among wine connoisseurs. Although it is just one of the many AVAs in the Napa Valley, you could spend your entire trip in this historic region. For anymore visiting Napa, visiting Rutherford is a must.

About the author:

Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and has written several articles about Rutherford.

 

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Content Menu
  • 10 great wine tasting tips

  • 16 quick tips for eating at restaurants or work

  • 4000 year old secrets of green tea

  • aging gracefully

  • all about entertaining with food and wine

  • american fast food restaurants

  • and you thought coffee was bad for you

  • an idiots guide to wine tasting

  • an introduction to wine

  • australian bbq recipes

  • australian wines

  • australia is more than jacobs creek

  • autumn cooking great fall recipes and tips

  • a beginners guide to chinese cookery

  • a guide to gourmet coffee

  • a guide to wine racks

  • a perfect cup of coffee

  • bakers racks add flair and style to your kitchen

  • barbeque grilling has reached a whole new dimension

  • barbequing a fun and convenient way to make dinner

  • basque cuisine

  • beer and food pairings

  • blended and varietal wines

  • blue cheese omnivorous

  • braised fish in soy sauce hong shao yu

  • braised garlic short ribs with a red wine tomato sauce

  • build your own wine rack in an afternoon

  • buying wine how to read a wine label

  • buy fine wine at great prices a strategy

  • champagne wine

  • change your diet and eat the mediterranean way

  • cheese explore a new taste

  • chicken breasts with spicy rub

  • chicken with white wine pasta

  • chilean wine history and style

  • chinese dumplings on chinese new year

  • chocolate is good for you

  • choosing a wine gift basket

  • choosing wine on a first date

  • choosing wine to match food

  • christmas recipes main dishes no 9 of 12 duck with cardamom sauce

  • class on glass

  • coffee characteristics and how it helps you choose the perfect coffee for you

  • coffee everything you need to know from arabica to zanzibar

  • coffee is it getting too complicated

  • coffee with class

  • come home to comfort food

  • corks for wine

  • creating the perfect foam

  • cuban thanksgiving from our latin table

  • cucumber pork soup

  • delicoious swordfish

  • determining if a wine is spoiled

  • do you know these little known facts about tuscany wines

  • easy summer salads lighter foods for a brighter summer

  • ediths cake that thrilled the french

  • emu the natural alternativee for the backyard grill

  • enjoy colorado wines

  • enjoy your favorite winebut with some rules

  • experience the joy of eating at a restaurant

  • fall for outdoor entertaining this autumn

  • family life or wine for christmas dy

  • fantastic fruit

  • fine dining at the ark of las vegas lutece and tsunami asian grill

  • fondue 101 how to make cheese fondue

  • foods to avoid that cause bad breath

  • food and drink what to expect in costa rica

  • food and wine choice advice from an expert wine taster

  • formula for successful wedding party

  • french wine

  • french wine laws

  • fresh fare from the food isle ireland

  • from prix fixe to cold tea a glossary of popular and obscure restaurant terms

  • german wine the new commodity on the american market

  • get to grips with your wines

  • gift of the month clubs the lazy mans guide to gift giving

  • give a fondue party

  • gourmet a defining moment

  • gourmet centerpieces

  • gourmet coffee beans a brief overview

  • gourmet goodies

  • gourmet sauces rubs and marinades give your bbq a gourmet kick

  • grigio or gris this is a great white wine

  • grilled scallops with ginger lime sauce

  • guide to buying wine glasses

  • guide to tasting wine

  • hans is author of steaks seafood and

  • have a wine and cheese shower or party

  • have you bought your first case of wine yet

  • healthy fondue a guide to making broth and hot oil fondues

  • healthy seafood recipe

  • health benefits of tea

  • helens homemade fishcakes recipe

  • helens pan fried seabass

  • history of hawaiian coffee

  • history of the mendocino county wine industry

  • holiday cookie exchange

  • homemade christmas gifts from the kitchen make your own holiday gift baskets

  • honey dijon glazed ribs

  • hosting a wine party

  • hosting a wine tasting party

  • hot fun in the summertime

  • how sparkling wine is made

  • how to begin wine collecting

  • how to be creative when you are cooking

  • how to brew your own beer

  • how to grow grapes for excellent wine

  • how to host a memorable july 4th barbecue and have fun too

  • how to host a wine party

  • how to make beer

  • how to order wine in a restaurant

  • how to store wine

  • how wine is made

  • index

  • introduction to italian wine

  • in grandmas kitchen part i

  • in praise of the humble salad

  • in time for summer blue danube wine company introduces refreshing new varietals from hungary the craftsmane series from hilltop neszmely winery

  • is your italian olive oil really italian

  • italian cuisine in the heart of tuscany

  • italian cuisine more than pasta

  • kitchen pantry

  • knowledge and creativity

  • la minita coffee its in the green beans

  • learn about chardonnay wine

  • learn about the benefits of green tea

  • learn to deal with the wine steward in restaurants

  • left over wine

  • love wine join a wine club

  • low fat salmon recipes

  • make your own gourmet gift baskets

  • making red wine

  • making wine like a pro

  • maple flavored smoked turkey

  • marketing wine on the internet

  • more mead mlord irelands medieval banquets

  • murder by heat

  • not your orthodox way of learning about wine

  • oakville wine country

  • olive varieties

  • paella recipe secret

  • paella the most famous spanish dish

  • parmesan crusted sole with lemon beurre blanc

  • pinot gris or grigio this grape makes great wine

  • planning a fondue party

  • planning wine for your party

  • provence a wine lovers dream come true

  • quick reference buying and storage guide for cheese

  • raise a glass to the best wine of the month gifts

  • rare varietals cure wine boredom

  • reading an italian wine label

  • recipes from around the world right in your kitchen

  • reductions proving less is more

  • regional cuisine new england clam chowder

  • roasted vegetable and goat cheese salad

  • roast rack of pork with grain mustard sauce

  • rotator

  • rowan jelly mountain ash pyrus aucuparia

  • rubs to cook with

  • rutherford wine country

  • sangria blanca

  • sangria recipe

  • satisfy your wine desires join a wine club

  • sauces for quick gourmet cooking

  • sauces used in asian cooking

  • sauted family bean curd

  • seafood and corn beach barbecue

  • seafood fettuccine alfredo

  • selection of seafood recipes compliments of cafe hobson

  • serving wine

  • share a gourmet food basket with your lover

  • sherry a wine of tradition

  • sicilys great eggplant tomato stew

  • smell nothing taste nothing

  • southern mama

  • spanish food how to prepare boquerones

  • spanish food the tasty tortilla

  • specialty gourmet coffee

  • special ingredients shark fins birds nest

  • start your wine cellar the right way

  • storing your fine wine

  • substitutions for commonly used ingredients

  • sweet sour fish

  • sweet sour pork gu lao rou

  • sweet surprises

  • take a california wine country tour

  • tasteful gift giving

  • tasting wine

  • tasting wine the basics for beginners

  • tayberry jam

  • tayberry raspberry and strawberry jam

  • tea at sea

  • tempranillos role as a new varietal wine in australia

  • tempranillo a new red wine star in australia

  • ten foods with special powers

  • the 1976 paris wine tasting

  • the best of the boutiques

  • the curious history of wine consumption in america

  • the excellent french wine

  • the first rule of wine drinking

  • the french paradox

  • the fundamentals

  • the gentle art of poaching

  • the habanero chile

  • the harmony between food and wine

  • the harmony between wine and food

  • the history of italian coffee

  • the history of the acai berry

  • the history of wine country in the sierra foothills and the delta

  • the ideal temperature to store your wine

  • the latest craze on gourmet coffee

  • the major flavor components in wine

  • the mystery of decanting

  • the mystery of sparkling wine

  • the next shiraz varietal wines for australia

  • the perfect complement

  • the rise of rioja wines

  • the stuff of poetry mead

  • the sucessful dinner party

  • the true hystory of tiramisu

  • the wine and green mushroom caper

  • three rules for choosing the right dinner wine

  • tips to buying food online

  • to air is divine

  • twelve wines of christmas

  • understanding the basics of wine tasting

  • understanding wine grapes

  • understand wine and your health

  • unique gifts send food gifts for something delicious and different

  • using bargain wines to your advantage

  • vegan chocolate feeds the sweet tooth

  • water into wine

  • weight loss recipe veal mango

  • what is corked wine

  • what puts the sparkle in sparkling wine

  • what wine really is just in case you thought you knew

  • what wise guys eat

  • what you need in a gourmet kitchen

  • when punt is about packaging not football

  • which is for you blended or varietal wines

  • who made the first wine anyway

  • who needs a cookie jar

  • why red wine is red and other isnt

  • winezap launches new website to help wine consumers find price and compare wines subscribers to winezaps free newsletter offered 10 off any wine regardless of quantity purchased

  • wine accessories the things you need

  • wine and beer are good for us yes second in a series

  • wine and dine them

  • wine and onion bisque spring mix salad with worcestershire parsley dressing

  • wine a worthy teammate for football

  • wine etiquette with ease

  • wine e learning campus in malta

  • wine grapes white varieties

  • wine is in the moment

  • wine making and home brewing whats the deal

  • wine making for beginners

  • wine openers 6 styles reviewed

  • wine racks are great for all your bottle storage needs

  • wine rack storage simple guides on choosing

  • wine rack storage simple guides on choosing the right rack for your wines

  • wine storage hints and tips

  • wine storage is the key to preserving and aging your wine

  • wine tasting

  • wine tasting four easy steps to hosting a great wine tasting party

  • wine tasting in carneros

  • wine tasting in yountville

  • wine tasting the taditional way

  • wine tasting the traditional way

  • wooden wine rack vs metal wine rack