| For many people, wine tastes all the more distinctive | | | | common (Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, and |
| when knowing the culture and history of the | | | | Carignane) seem to prosper in Lake County. |
| vineyards where a wine originated. When sharing a | | | | Spain has developed a market for its native grapes in |
| certain vintage with guests, especially when hosting a | | | | California that is inspiring many California winemakers, |
| wine tasting party, it's nice to have a story of the | | | | critics, and wine club associations. In addition, |
| winemaker to share as your pour the wine. This | | | | Australian winemakers have discovered these grapes. |
| article examines Spencer-Roloson winemakers, | | | | Grenache is a Spanish grape variety, although grown |
| California transplants from Spain and France, providing | | | | all over the South of France. Grenache Blanc, |
| information you can share at your next wine tasting | | | | Mourvedre, and Tempranillo continue in popularity, |
| or wine club meeting. | | | | partly due to the success of Spencer-Roloson wines. |
| California With A Focus On Spain And France | | | | California Wines |
| Spencer-Roloson began in 1998 with a solid focus | | | | Spencer-Roloson also makes some California Zinfandel |
| relating to their tastes and their vineyard locations in | | | | and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery doesn't plan to |
| Napa and Lake Counties, California. With an interest in | | | | compete with the big Napa Cabernet Sauvignon |
| the sweep of territory that comes from Rioja in | | | | producers at $150 a bottle. They focus on making a |
| central Spain and around into the Rhone in France, | | | | California Cabernet Sauvignon with a Spanish feel as |
| this winery places itself on that continuum. As they | | | | they blend the Cabernet grapes with Tempranillo and |
| drill down with these varietals to establish an | | | | Grenache. Their idiosyncratic wines have gained a |
| unmistakable house style and become a favorite of | | | | huge following with wine club associations, critics, and |
| wine club associations and critics, Spencer-Roloson | | | | consumers alike. |
| finds their efforts rewarding. | | | | Spencer-Roloson believes the warming climate will |
| French And Spanish Grapes | | | | popularize the French and Spanish grape varieties, |
| Partners in a family owned vineyard on the lower | | | | which will carry wine, especially California wine into |
| slopes of Howell Mountain in Napa County's Conn | | | | the next century. While Napa and small pockets may |
| Valley until recently, Spencer-Roloson now focuses | | | | continue with Cabernet, Spencer-Roloson predicts |
| on farming their 160-acre Madder Lake estate in Lake | | | | winemakers will begin planting Syrah instead of |
| County, located above Napa directly north of Mount | | | | Cabernet as they select different grape varieties as |
| St. Helena in the craggy Mayacamas mountain range. | | | | an alternative to staying with what has traditionally |
| With a high elevation of 1,400 feet on the valley | | | | grown in a certain area. Regardless of climate change |
| floor and by Clear Lake, the largest body of fresh | | | | and a shift in the grapes planted, Spencer-Roloson |
| water in California, Lake County revolves around | | | | adds a vibrant newness to the California wine |
| farming. French Syrah and Viognier and Spanish | | | | landscape applauded by wine club associations, |
| Tempranillo and the grapes the two countries grow in | | | | publications, and enthusiasts around the world. |