2011 Favia Quarzo Syrah

Favia Erickson Winegrowers was started in 2003 by Annie Favia and Andy Erickson. The couple are both Napa Valley winemakers with formidable resumes. Favia worked for John Kongsgaard and David Abreu, among others, and Erickson has been a winemaker at Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle and other wineries. The couple owns vineyards but also sources grapes from Amador County and Napa Valley. They make Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as Viognier and Rhone-style blends. The wines are generally available only via Favia’s mailing list.

Sierra Foothills AVA is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it includes parts of eight counties. With total acreage of 2.6 million acres, and nearly 6,000 vineyard acres, it is one of the largest appellations in California. Wine grapes were planted in the foothills during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and the appellation was officially recognized in 1987. There are five sub-appellations within the Sierra Foothills region, and more than 100 wineries, most small and family-owned. Zinfandel is the most successful wine grape in this region, though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also planted.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.