Let's Talk About Temecula
My favorite sips from this southern California wine country.
In a wine world where the northerly regions of Napa, Burgundy and Piedmont reign supreme, it may seem paradoxical that the earliest accounts of viticulture were actually more southern.
Of course, with a product so beloved, many regions now claim its origins but modern archaeologists trace wine production back 2,700 years ago to Assyria — land that’s modern day Iraq and Iran.
Temecula, California happens to fall in the same geographical plane as the earliest growers — a fun fact I learned on a recent (and overdue) trip to the southern California AVA.
Established in 1984, Temecula’s wine country is relatively new. About an hour north of San Diego and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, Temecula benefits from a built-in “backyard” audience. Yet, out-of-state, not to mention out-of-country, wine enthusiasts may not be as familiar with the area.
It’s these types of lesser trodden paths that I find as the most rewarding areas to explore as there’s a palpable energy among vintners to raise the tide for all boats, or in other words — to put Temecula on the world wine map as not just a new or underrated destination but one that deserves its spotlight.
During my time exploring Temecula wine country, I was utterly impressed by the range of varieties successfully grown here. From Italy’s white Falanghina and red Sangiovese to Argentina’s Malbec to Cote Rotie-style Syrah, it was refreshing to visit a wine region that represented a number of grapes with no forced pretenses of a signature variety.
Some of my favorite sips included:
White wines
Pecorino at Wiens Cellars; a zippy Italian white that couldn’t be more perfect for patio season if it tried.
Grenache Blanc at Leoness Cellars: a lush white wine that you can sip in the sun sans food or pair it with fried anything – like the duck-fat fries at Leoness’ terrace restaurant.
Gewürztraminer at Danza del Sol: aromatic with a characteristic note of elderflower, this variety isn’t for everybody but given it’s a white I usually pair with Thai or Indian cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised to sip this solo in the mid-day heat. I also loved hopping on the winery’s UTV to explore some of their vines, including a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard dating back to 1972.
Rosé wines
Zinfandel Parlez-Vous Rosé at Akash Winery: a mandarin-meets-pomegranate palate is a refreshing treat under the southern California sun but a hibiscus note adds fine tannins for a light grip that elevates this rosé to outstanding.
Rosé Spumante at Bottaia Winery: lively bubbles prep the mouth for a watermelon fruity-crisp balance that makes it a pleasant poolside sipper. The Bottaia Winery, uniquely, is outfitted with said pool to showcase this ultimate pairing.
Bambino Rosé at Robert Renzoni Vineyards: made with Montepulciano grapes waiting their turn to be used in a full-bodied red (two more years), this limited-time, delicate, raspberry-forward rosé paired outstandingly with a nibble of prosciutto.
Red wines
Barbera at Wilson Creek Winery: like biting into a ripe red cherry with a bright acidity that could persuade even seasonal white wine purists to swap this in for a summer aperitivo.
Malbec at Doffo Winery: an impressive, varietally-correct Malbec with engrained tannins, ripe blueberry and a hint of clove and leather that lingers after every sip.
Penrose Red Wine from Carter Estate Winery: a Portuguese-Italian blend of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Nero and Zinfandel, that the winery touts as a “golden ratio” for one of the most unique wines being made in the valley; of which I can attest.
Essential of the week: Sunbetter Tone Sunscreen
I’ve sung this sunscreen brand praise before but given summer days are officially upon us (I consider MDW as the true start to summer) I’m reiterating how amazing this sunscreen is.
It comes in a compact form for you to throw in your purse for quick, mess-free applications on the go (I hate when my tinted sunscreen turns my manicure yellow) and it gives a flawless, natural sheen that swaps out my make-up routine for summer activities. Most importantly: the full coverage protects your face from short and longterm sun damage.
Recent work:
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XO,
Beautiful photos! And now I need wine and a vacation.