Arizona wine

The Barnstormer, from the Jerome Winery, made the trip home safely

On a recent tour of  America's canyon lands my wife and I had a very short visit to Sedona, Arizona. The stop was to be a lunch break before heading to the Grand Canyon. With just an hour and a half so we were glad that we had spent time there years earlier. My wife found a great way to spend the time by visiting The Art of Wine for a tasting of wines made in Arizona. 

The Art of Wine in Sedona

Chateau Tumbleweed is located in Clarkdale, just outside of Sedona. They source their grapes from several Arizona vineyards as you can see on the informative back label. Started by a group of friends, they now have their own facility.  Interesting blend don't you think? Very tasty.

When I tell people that I tried some wines made in Arizona they all say the same thing, "They can grow wine grapes in Arizona?" I get the same reaction when I tell people from other states about Connecticut wines. Just as here in CT, you have to pick the right site and choose the grape varieties that will grow there. For Arizona that means the high desert regions with altitudes of 4,000 - 5,000 feet above sea level. At that elevation the days are warm but the temperatures at night drop dramatically. That temperature swing insures that the grapes ripen while maintaining acidity.  

Wine number two was from Bodega Pierce. Located in Willcox they specialize in estate bottled wines. Kathryn, who did our tasting, remarked that she felt that Malvasia may be a grape that can excel in Arizona. The wine was fresh, lively, and satisfying. I have to agree with Kathryn, it was a very nice wine. 

The first red was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Freitas Vineyard in Cottonwood. The vines are planted on a small patch of land that was originally going to be an orchard. The owners realized that their land was not the best for fruit trees but perfect for grapes. So in went the vines. The cab was nice and rich with all sorts of black fruit flavors.  

Some of the wines made in AZ

The D.A. Ranch is located just ten miles from Sedona. The Capra is their Estate grown Tannat. In 2014 only 72 cases were produced. It was a big wine but not at all clumsy or overly tannic. 

A selection of international wines at The Art of Wine

The Keeling Schaefer Syrah was up next. Located in Willcox, their 21 acre vineyard sits at 5,000 feet above sea level.  They grow Syrah along with other Rhone varieties. This 2014 Syrah was nice, lots of black plums and meaty, would be perfect for a steak dinner. 

My first experience with high dessert wines was back in 1995. A visit to La Chiripada Winery in New Mexico opened my eyes to what was possible at those altitudes. So I can't say I was surprised that the Arizona wines were so good. The modern wine industry in Arizona began in the early 1970's and the first commercial winery, Sonoita Valley Vineyards, was planted in 1979. There is quite a bit of experimentation going on. Growers are still finding out what is possible in their vineyards. Follow this link for a list of the 80, yes 80, wineries in Arizona. Once at the page scroll to the bottom.

If you are visiting Arizona be sure to try some of their wines. Finding them outside of AZ is difficult. And if you are in Sedona, save time for a visit to The Art of Wine. A great place for an introduction to the local wines. 

Kathryn did our tasting