American Terroir
We are all familiar with Vidalia onions, Idaho potatoes, and Florida oranges; and know the reason why we like them. When it comes to wine, most people don't make the connection or associate how climate and earth shape the amazing flavors we enjoy. It's called 'terroir' and the term is French, but it hits the mark when used to describe the special and persistent characteristics that weather and soil conditions contribute to the depth of flavor in foods, but more specifically in a glass of wine.
Whether it's Oregon or California, American winemakers have been producing unique world class wine for decades. Many of us have been drinking and enjoying the wines way before the lead character, Pinot Noir, and the script Side Ways had enough interest for a Hollywood first meeting. There are many good, big name and costly reds out there, but let us introduce you to three, all priced within reason, distinctive and new....
'Westrey' Pinot Noir from Oregon, made by Amy Wesselman and David Autrey, 'Capiaux Chimera Pinot Noir and O'Shaughnessey Cabernet Sauvignon' from California made by Sean Capiaux. Three stylish, balanced and rich wines with one expressive quality in common... American Terroir
Sean Capiaux has an established career, with a notable reputation at prominent wineries around the world. His credits include, Jordan, Pine Ridge, Peter Michael in California, and Houghton's in Australia. Sean Capiaux launched his own label, Capiaux Cellars in 1994.
In 1996, he and his wife, Gina, moved to New York so that she could attend the Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences. While still living in New York, a true bicoastal winemaker, Sean continued to produce Capiaux Pinot Noir in California while also working as the winemaker for Macari Vineyards, Jamesport Vineyards and Schneider Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island in New York.
In 2001, Sean and his family returned to Napa Valley to start up a new project, O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery, in the Howell Mountain appellation. Sean successfully produces both his Capiaux Cellars Pinot Noirs and O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon at the new O'Shaughnessy Winery in Napa Valley.
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