One of my favorite domestic wineries is nestled in the Sierra Foothills in California. Boeger has been open since 1974. The fun fact about Boeger's winery is that it sits just about 15 minutes away from where gold was first found in California. It subsequently started the gold rush. It's fun to think that once upon a time, where Boeger now has vineyards, people were taking part in the gold rush.
The gold rush is not my reasoning for loving Boeger (I do love that fact though). It is because they have gotten away from the normal California offerings. Sure, they make wonderful Zins, Chardonays, Pinots, etc. What seperates them is varietals such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Cab Franc. My favorite though is their Barbera.
Barbera is a red grape common to Italy. It is only behind Sangiovese and Montepulciano in terms of red wine production there. In California, it had been on the rise in recent years. Before, Barbera was a grape that was used in California to blend. Now, there are many fine examples of single varietal Barbera being produced with great quality. There are none finer in my opinion than Boeger's!
Boeger's Barbera is extremely well rounded. The aromatics here are a nice a mix of fruit (Plum) with a touch of black pepper. It shows a really nice mix of fruit (Black Cherry, Blackberry) and spice (Vanilla and a touch of clove). Low tannins and good acidity give this wine a wonderful mouth feel. It shows a lot of structure without having the bitterness that comes with it. Overall, it is extremely smooth and keeps you wanting more.
Boeger Barbera in a Nutshell:
Description: Great aromatics of plum and black pepper. Plump red that shows great blackberry and black cherry fruit. Good spice on the finish with clove and vanilla. Low tannins and a touch of acid round off this well balanced Cal-Ital wine.
Pairing: A nice red to accompany anything containing Marinara sauce. Low acid makes it a great pairing with tomato based meat dishes.
Vintage/Price: Current vintage is 2009. It is wonderful now but 1-2 years in your cellar could make this wine spectacular. Should find it between 17 and 19 dollars on the net or in a store near you!
For more information on Boeger's Barbera and their other wines, please go to: Boeger Winery
The gold rush is not my reasoning for loving Boeger (I do love that fact though). It is because they have gotten away from the normal California offerings. Sure, they make wonderful Zins, Chardonays, Pinots, etc. What seperates them is varietals such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Cab Franc. My favorite though is their Barbera.
Barbera is a red grape common to Italy. It is only behind Sangiovese and Montepulciano in terms of red wine production there. In California, it had been on the rise in recent years. Before, Barbera was a grape that was used in California to blend. Now, there are many fine examples of single varietal Barbera being produced with great quality. There are none finer in my opinion than Boeger's!
Boeger's Barbera is extremely well rounded. The aromatics here are a nice a mix of fruit (Plum) with a touch of black pepper. It shows a really nice mix of fruit (Black Cherry, Blackberry) and spice (Vanilla and a touch of clove). Low tannins and good acidity give this wine a wonderful mouth feel. It shows a lot of structure without having the bitterness that comes with it. Overall, it is extremely smooth and keeps you wanting more.
Boeger Barbera in a Nutshell:
Description: Great aromatics of plum and black pepper. Plump red that shows great blackberry and black cherry fruit. Good spice on the finish with clove and vanilla. Low tannins and a touch of acid round off this well balanced Cal-Ital wine.
Pairing: A nice red to accompany anything containing Marinara sauce. Low acid makes it a great pairing with tomato based meat dishes.
Vintage/Price: Current vintage is 2009. It is wonderful now but 1-2 years in your cellar could make this wine spectacular. Should find it between 17 and 19 dollars on the net or in a store near you!
For more information on Boeger's Barbera and their other wines, please go to: Boeger Winery
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