Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Description of Domaine Decoy
Domaine Decoy, an extension of the famous Duckhorn Vineyards in California, has built a reputation for the quality of its accessible wines. Established in the enviable terroir of Sonoma County, Decoy stands out for its approach to producing wines that combine finesse and accessibility, particularly with Zinfandel, an emblematic California grape variety. The estate takes advantage of ideal climatic conditions and soil to grow vines that fully express the unique characteristics of their environment.
Description of Cuvée Decoy Zinfandel
Cuvée Decoy Zinfandel is a tribute to the rich and robust expression of Zinfandel. Sourced from meticulous selections among the best vines, this wine embodies Decoy's passion for the grape variety, offering a cuvée that balances perfectly between power and elegance. With careful breeding to highlight the natural qualities of Zinfandel, this vintage is distinguished by its aromatic depth and harmonious structure.
Aromas of the Cuvée
Decoy Zinfandel exudes a rich and inviting bouquet, marked by notes of ripe black fruits such as blackberry and plum, accompanied by sweet spices, vanilla and a light touch of oak. Undertones of black pepper and tobacco add to the complexity of the wine, providing a captivating olfactory experience.
Characteristics of the Cuvée
- Grape variety: Zinfandel
- Profile: A charming and structured wine, with ripe tannins and balanced acidity which support a rich palette of flavors. The finish is generous and persistent, reflecting the attention paid to the balance and quality of the blend.
- Aging Potential: Although delicious now, this Zinfandel has the potential to improve with a few years of aging, allowing the flavors and complexity to deepen.
Pairings with this Cuvée
Decoy Zinfandel pairs perfectly with rich, flavorful dishes, such as grilled meats, spicy stews or tomato dishes. Its full character and deep aromas make it an excellent companion for convivial meals.
Where are we traveling?
California
While 50 American states produce wine, Californian production alone represents about 85% of the country's production, making this state the 4th largest producer in the world behind Italy, France and Spain. The climate is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which at this latitude is a cold ocean. The wine regions located near the Pacific have an oceanic climate that becomes Mediterranean the further inland you move from the ocean and it becomes more continental near the Sierra Nevada. Bays and openings to the sea, such as San Pablo Bay, act as thermal regulators on viticulture, particularly in Napa and Sonoma Valley.
The little history of the country
UNITED STATES
In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...). In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.