Tasting Notes

The Shenandoah Valley is home to jammy Zinfandels, and the C.G. di Arie showcases the qualities this region is known for. This inky extracted wine has deep aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and wild violets. Flavors of black cherry and layers of chocolate and vanilla with fresh cracked pepper linger on the long, ripe, generous finish.

Winery Story

The Shenandoah Valley has a long history of wine, best known as California’s Gold Country (home of the Gold Rush) and not to be confused with the valley of the same name in Virginia. A subregion of the Sierra Foothills, the Shenandoah Valley AVA encompasses portions of El Dorado and Amador counties, a 45-minute drive east of Sacramento.

C.G. Di Arie Vineyard was conceived in 2000 by Chaim and Elisheva Gur-Arieh. With a Ph.D. in food science and minors in chemical engineering and biochemistry, Chaim is a recognized inventor and scientist, and it only seemed logical that he would serve as winemaker for the property. Some of the products Chaim was instrumental in developing are: Cap’n Crunch cereal when he worked at Quaker Oats, puddings-in-a-cup and shelfstable yogurts at Del Monte, Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing, Power Bars, and various wine coolers at his private food development/flavor company.

Flavor is clearly an important component for the Gur-Ariehs, and the investments they have been making on their property ensure that they will continue to deliver that and extract the best qualities in their wines from this rediscovered region.