Three California wines to savour from Frei Brothers
While owned by the Gallo family, known for its inexpensive brands, the Sonoma Valley winery operates independently and produces wines of a higher quality
Established in 1933, E & J Gallo Winery is the largest family-owned winery in the world. Forbes lists it as the 120th largest company in the US, generating US$3.8 billion in sales in 2013. The largest exporter of Californian wine, Gallo is known for its ubiquitous, inexpensive, value-priced wines with brands such as Carlo Rossi, Turning Leaf and Barefoot Cellars.
At a higher quality level is Frei Brothers, based in the Sonoma Valley. The winery was founded in 1890 by Swiss immigrant Andrew Frei. In the 1970s the winery was acquired by the Gallo family, and operated independently. Today, Frei Brothers is known for its sustainable viticultural and winery practices. Innovation and technology have helped conserve resources such as water. For example, overhead satellite imagery, soil electrical conductivity maps and soil moisture checks are used in the vineyard to monitor water usage so they can irrigate more effectively.
Sonoma Valley has a diverse microclimate and a range of soil types, allowing for a large array of grape varieties to be planted. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the moderating effects of fog and wind allow for cool climate varieties such as pinot noir to thrive. Russian River Valley has a cooler climate and is known for chardonnay and pinot noir. Further inland is Dry Creek Valley. Moderately warm, it is suitable for varieties such as merlot and zinfandel. Further inland is Alexander Valley. With a warmer climate, it is known for its elegant cabernet sauvignon.
Frei Brothers Reserve Dry Creek Zinfandel 2012
Blended with 2 per cent petite syrah to add colour and structure, the wine is aged in new and used American and French oak.
Tasting notes: Rich black fruit, jammy raspberry and chocolate notes. Full bodied, concentrated fruit balanced with crisp acidity and ripe tannins. Balanced and delicious. HK$173
Napa Valley is famed for its plush, rich, concentrated cabernet sauvignon. According to Master of Wine Nicholas Paris, cabernet from the Alexander Valley tends to be more restrained and elegant with some herbal character. Merlot is blended into the wine to add some softness and fruitiness to the mid-palate. It is aged in used French and American barrels.
Tasting notes: Blackcurrant, cedar and some spice. Full bodied, firm structure. Balanced and elegant with good fruit intensity. HK$173
Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2012
This is for wine lovers who love powerful and rich chardonnay. It is made using partial barrel fermentation and 100 per cent malolactic fermentation, which adds creamy, buttery notes to the wine.
Tasting notes: melon and citrus, nutty and buttery. Full bodied, creamy with balanced acid, ripe fruit and some spicy oak tannins. Balanced and finishing very long. HK$173
Wines from winenthingshk.com
