Carica Wines Releases 2011 Rosé
Dry and Flavorful for Year-round Pleasure
Crisp and dry in the classic French style, this Rosé of Syrah and Grenache delivers the flavor of early strawberries, with a touch of lemon zest. More and more wine lovers are discovering they can enjoy this versatile wine throughout the year. Celebrate the arrival of Spring with Carica’s latest Rosé. All during April guests can taste and buy Carica Rosé at the winery’s Tasting Room at Alameda Point. The new release is available for $18.00/bottle.

Vineyard Notes: Mendocino’s renowned Eaglepoint Ranch provided the winegrapes for the 2011 Rosé from Carica Wines. Planted at an elevation of 1800 feet above the Ukiah valley, this carefully tended mountain vineyard has supplied premium quality Rhone varietals to small-lot vintners since the late 1970s.

Winemaking Notes: The extended 2011 growing season allowed Carica’s small lots of premium Syrah and Grenache to reach physiological ripeness with low sugar levels—ideal for producing a full-flavored Rosé. The grapes were hand-harvested in early November, and then crushed as whole clusters. The Syrah juice was allowed minimal skin contact, while the Grenache must was left to sit on the skins 24 hours prior to collecting the free run and start of fermentation. Fermented in a stainless tank, the wine was bottled in mid-March 2012.

Pairing ideas: Because it is dry, with balanced acidity, the new Carica Rosé pairs very well with spring’s fresh vegetables. Asparagus, fava beans, and salads composed with the early harvest from the garden are all complemented by a glass of Carica 2011 Rosé. Pasta Primavera comes to mind, of course. While a little chill remains in the evening air, a soup of celery root and leeks, pureed with a dollop of cream, would be lovely paired with this Rosé. All summer long, a chilled glass of Carica Rosé pairs perfectly with relaxing with friends.

To buy Carica 2011 Rosé, and the other Carica wines, visit the winery’s website, www.CaricaWines.com. Carica wines are also available at the Tasting Room in the San Francisco Bay Area at 2301 Monarch Street, Alameda, California 94501. The Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

Tasting Notes, Carica 2011 Rosé

February 2012 marks the release of two single-vineyard designated wines from Carica Wines, one red and one white.  Both are available for tasting at the winery’s Tasting Room, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Alameda, California.  The Tasting Room, with astonishing views of San Francisco Bay, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 noon until 6:00 p.m.

The 2009 Petite Sirah, made from Sonoma County grapes harvested from Kick Ranch Vineyard, is deeply colored and intensely fruit flavored.  Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum notes, “This vintage is well-structured and bears all the varietal characteristics familiar to fans of Petite Sirah.  At the same time, the wine is approachable by wine drinkers who may be less familiar with this grape.  I think Carica’s 2009 Petite will age very well for years to come.”  $36/bottle.

The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, combines Sauvignon Blanc grapes (52%) and Sauvignon Musque grapes (48%).  The Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc contributes an intriguing tropical aroma to this white wine.  After a cooler than usual growing season, the grapes were harvested from Sonoma County’s Kick Ranch at the end of September.  The grapes were pressed as whole clusters and cold settled for 36 hours prior to racking and start of fermentation.  Ten percent of the wine was fermented in neutral French oak, which contributes a roundness and complexity to the wine’s flavor profile.

Classically dry and crisp, the Carica 2010 Sauvignon Blanc offers flavors of pear and guava, with a bright, citrus finish.  Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum notes, “Based on my experience with grapes from this vineyard, I found that this wine’s complexity is enhanced by a bit more bottle aging than is typical of most California white wines.”  $21/bottle.

These Carica wines can be purchased on the winery’s online shopping cart at www.caricawines.com

Intrepid wine lovers who have discovered Carica Wines have asked for a wine club.  Now the Carica Wine Club has become a reality.  Members enjoy a convenient way to experience new releases and to replenish their wine cellars with Carica favorites.   Charter Members of the Wine Club will enjoy a 20% discount on all wine selections.  There is no cost to join, and signing up is easy using the Carica Wines website shopping cart.

Advantages of belonging to the Carica Wine Club include:

● Winemaker’s selections are delivered four times per year—February, May, September, and November

● 20% discount applies on all wine selections

● Tasting notes are included in each shipment

● Members enjoy their discount on additional orders of wine selections while supplies last.

Members receive 4 bottles of Carica wine in each of 4 shipments during the year.  Each shipment will include 2 to 3 different varietals.  Each shipment will be $85-$95 through 2011, plus tax and shipping.  Members have the option to pick up their shipments at the winery on the designated distribution days to avoid shipping charge. More information is available here wine club brochure 2011.

You are cordially invited to become a member of the Carica Wines community by joining the new Carica Wine Club.

A Double Gold Medal for Carica 2008 Petite Sirah has just been announced by the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2011. “This is Carica’s first bottling of Petite Sirah, so we are truly gratified by this recognition,” said Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum.  He harvested all the grapes from a single Sonoma County vineyard for a limited production of only 125 cases.  92 points, the Wine Enthusiast.

In addition,  Carica’s latest Rhone-style Red Wine –  2008 ‘The Siren’ – has just garnered a 91-point rating by the Wine Enthusiast magazine.  “Since we released The Siren this fall, a wide-range of wine lovers has been telling us how much they enjoy this food-friendly blend.  The Siren combines Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes.  Now we have critical acclaim from this high reputable source, too,” noted Dollbaum.  Blending grape varietals to produce a complex-flavored and balanced red wine is a time-honored winemaking practice in Europe, and such blending is now being practiced in North America by some small producers like Carica Wines. As a local, family-owned winery, Carica Wines is excited to be forging direct relationships with wine enthusiasts who are willing to experience new directions in winemaking.

2008 Petite Sirah, “Kick Ranch” Sonoma County. Petite Sirah is a new varietal for the Carica Wines label.  We are delighted with the results and hope you will be, too.  Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum has made this lesser-known red varietal in a bold, but balanced style.  The characteristic tannins and classic structure are there, and you will also enjoy the rounded fruit flavor.  See for yourself why Petite Sirah’s popularity is growing.

Petite Sirah grapes were harvested from Kick Ranch in Sonoma County in October, 2008.  Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 21 months in both new and used French and American oak barrels.  The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined on August 12, 2010.  125 cases produced.  $36 per bottle.

2008 Red Wine “The Siren” Sonoma County. Carica’s 2008 Rhone-style blend, “The Siren,” follows in the tradition of Carica’s popular 2007 “Temptation” proprietary red wine blend.  As the hero Odysseus of Greek mythology was tempted by the song of the sirens, we invite you to be tempted by The Siren!

The Rhone varietals Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre were blended to make The Siren.  This wine, with its robust fruit flavor and clean finish, suggests a pairing with steak or grilled lamb with rosemary.  The aromas are of red fruit and herbs de Provence.  The flavors are of blackberry, chocolate, and white pepper.    After fermentation and aging in American and French oak barrels for 21 months, The Siren was bottled on August 12, 2010.  175 cases produced.  $32 per bottle.

PURCHASE NEW RELEASES ONLINE HERE

Seeking a local destination your friends may not have discovered yet? The new Tasting Room features spacious decks, a lunch menu, and appetizer platters to complement your flight of wines.  Ride your bikes, stroll a half mile from the Ferry Terminal, and there’s plenty of free parking.

You are warmly invited to see some astonishing views of the San Francisco city skyline and San Francisco Bay when you visit the new Tasting Room at our winery in Alameda, California.  The Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

You can sample Carica wines as well as wines of five other independent vintners who make wine on site.  This urban winemaking space is located in the East Bay at the former Alameda Naval Air Station, now known as Alameda Point.  Rock Wall Wine Company has revamped an old airplane hangar as a cooperative wine works.  At the adjacent Tasting Room you can purchase and pick up your favorite Carica wines.

Find the CARICA WINES Tasting Room in the East Bay at:

2301 Monarch Street, Alameda, CA 94501 [google maps]