Quivira Fig Tree Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Organic Sauvignon Blanc

This is a wine we have loved for years, we posted about the 2004 vintage back in 2008, the 2009 vintage, available now, is just as good.  I saw a great deal on this wine at Magnolia's in Montclair and decided to repost.

My friend Conrad Fink of Montclair, NJ turned me on to this rich wine that is produced in the  Dry Creek Valley in Northern Sonoma County. The region is home to many renowned wine makers. The history of grape growing and winemaking in Dry Creek Valley is among the longest in California, with its roots beginning more than 130 years ago.

On sale now at Magnolias until August 5th, 2011 for $14.95, other stores, $19.95.

"Quivira (pronounced "key-VEER-ah!") is taken from a Spanish legend. It is said after the conquest of the Aztec kingdom, the Spanish found it easy to believe that kingdoms of similar wealth could be found to the north. In 1540 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado set out from Mexico City along the present  Arizona-New Mexico border to find and claim them for Spain. The lack of gold among the Zuni and Hopi tribes discouraged him, but he was lured on by the tales of an Indian named Turk, who described a kingdom to the north, that the Spanish named Quivira Regnum, where everyone ate from gold dishes.

The legend was born. When Juan Rodriguez de Cabrillo sailed up the coast of California two years later, neither the fact that Coronado had searched 1,000 miles to the east, nor that Turk had confessed under torture to making up the story as a ruse to lead the Spaniards away from his home, deterred his expedition from reporting that they had discovered the true location of Quivira."Quivira Vineyards is a certified organic and biodynamic winery, specializing in Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and red Rhone varietals.

The wine is made with 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon features delicious flavors of citrus and grapefruit zest with pleasant mineral character very reflective of the Dry Creek Valley terroir. It is very much in the French style but with more depth and body and less minerality than most French Sauvignon I have tasted. 

The vineyard is named for a majestic 100 year old Black Mission fig tree that stands amongst the vines, became certified 100% organic and Biodynamic in 2005. Located at the confluence of two waterways on the Quivira estate, Dry Creek and Wine Creek, the soil has an extensive gravel layer due to its proximity to the creeks, creating a well drained site and yields grapes with a unique flavor profile. The cooler and well balanced 2005 vintage offers a citrus of orange and tangerine with a pleasant mineral character. A refined nose of orange blossoms, crushed pomegranate, dried papaya and wet river stone derived from the addition of Semillon (10%) and Sauvignon Musque clone (4%) contributes to its signature touch of tropical spice. Barrel fermentation and French oak aging lend a medium body; the palate rounds out with hints of lively citrus and quince.--Quivira Vineyard

"The 2004 Quivira Sauvignon Blanc from Fig Tree Vineyard starts with impressive green apple, clover honey and summer herb aromas that come out of the glass in waves. They're all there when you sip as well – along with a pillow-soft texture at the entry that glides effortlessly into a gentle grip on your palate and warming caress on your tastebuds. Takes on some pretty yellow cherry, Bartlett pear and – is that the vineyard speaking? – ripe fig overtones in the finish. If this were from Napa the price would be $10 higher." Tom Elkjer

 

Comments

[PAOLA QUIVIRA BALLADARES]

hola , yo soy de chile y quiero saber la relacion que existe entre el nombre de estos vinos y mi apellido gracias .........espero una respuesta favorable