2009 Chasseur Valley Foothill Gewurztraminer

Chasseur was started in 1994 when California winemaker Bill Hunter decided to make wines under his own name. He had been making wine at Bonny Doon Winery in Santa Cruz and at wineries in Napa Valley. But in 1994 he made a barrel of Chardonnay and another of Pinot Noir and named his brand Chasseur, French for hunter. Today Hunter sources grapes from Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley and elsewhere in Northern California. Chasseur’s production facility is located in Sebastopol where Hunter makes limited production Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This grape grows in cooler climates and reaches its finest expression in Alsace, where it is the second most commonly planted variety. It is boldly aromatic and has a distinct bouquet of lychees. The grape be used to make dry, off dry and sweet wines, including ice wine.