Clines Rhne Varietals

1
Clines Rhône Varietals

• The Rhône River emanates from the Alps of
  central Switzerland and meanders for hundreds of
  miles before it flows through Lake Geneva,
  entering Eastern France seeking its final refuge
  in the Mediterranean Sea. Before traditional
  transportation, the Rhône River Valley was a
  vital trade and transportation route, now its
  notorious as a large grape growing appellation in
  France. Grapes that are grown in the Rhône
  Valley (one of the larger appellations in France)
  are referred to as Rhône varietals. There are 22
  Rhône varietals identified by the French
  Government Cline Cellars produces seven, three
  white (Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier) and
  four red (Carignane, Grenache, Mourvedre, and
  Syrah).

2
Viognier

• This varietal is a relatively scarce grape
  (approximately 2500 planted acres in France and
  2,000 in California) due to its low productivity
  and proclivity to powdery mildew. The vines need
  a warm climate and are able to withstand periods
  of drought. The grapes are a deep yellow hue and
  the wines they produce are high in color with
  floral and stone fruit aromas. Because of its
  fragrant properties and low acidity, it is often
  used as an aromatic and softening agent with red
  wines. It also makes a delicious standalone.
• Clines Viognier is composed of grapes
  from vineyards that offer flavors indicative of
  the appellations from which they came. The vines
  basked in the sun during the day and were cooled
  at night which contributes to this Viogniers
  full-body weight.

3
Marsanne

• This hardy grape, originating in the
  northern Rhone region, produces a full-bodied,
  deeply colored, rich and nutty wine. Optimal
  climates will produce a wine fruity and high in
  acid, making it an ideal blending wine. In
  climates that are too hot, the grape can over
  ripen and produce wine that is very flabby. In
  places that are too cool, the grape will not
  ripen fully enough to develop more than just a
  bland neutral flavor. As Marsanne ages, it
  becomes even darker in color and the flavors can
  become more complex and concentrated with an
  oily, honeyed texture.
• The four acres of Marsanne, which
  contribute to Clines Marsanne Roussanne blend,
  are planted on our estate in the Sonoma Carneros
  appellation. The area is known for its cool and
  moderate temperatures which allow for long
  ripening time and full flavor development.

4
Roussanne

• This temperamental varietal tends to ripen
  unevenly, is prone to powdery mildew, and has
  little resistance to wind and drought. Roussanne
  is usually chosen for its bright acidity and
  unique floral aroma. While most Rhone whites do
  not age well, the opposite is true of this
  varietal, which may explain why vintners grow
  this finicky vine.
• Clines Roussanne is grown in our Sonoma
  Coast vineyard. On some summer days, fog intrudes
  and lingers until noon, providing an ideal
  growing environment. Marsanne and Roussanne are
  the Northern Rhone Valleys two most important
  white wine grape varieties and are regularly
  blended together. There are less than 250
  combined acres of these grapes in California,
  making them a bit of a rarity. Roussanne adds a
  zesty orange character mixed with grapefruit and
  a wonderful mineral character.
•  

5
Carignane

• This varietal holds the distinction of
  being one of the most widely planted red grapes
  in France, and was once the most planted varietal
  in the new world. It has traditionally been used
  as a blending grape because of its favorable
  yields, excellent acidity, and big tannins.
•  Cline Cellars is one of a few wineries to
  vinify this varietal. Our Ancient Vines Carignane
  draws from a wide selection of our oldest, most
  historic and shyest-bearing vineyards, many of
  which are over 100 years old. These special
  vineyards consistently produce fruit of stunning
  concentration. The hand selected lots produce a
  mere two to three tons of grapes per acre. The
  old vine elicits a taste of typical Oakley
  terroir, a dusty, dark cherry fruit and a nice
  bright acidity.

6
Grenache

• The second most widely planted red wine
  grape in the world, Grenache buds early,
  flourishes in dry, hot climates, and requires an
  extended ripening time. Grenache has a tendency
  toward high sugar and alcohol levels if planted
  in less desirable soils. It also tends to lack
  acid, tannin and color, and for these reasons is
  usually blended with other varieties.
• Our ancient vines in Oakleys Big Break
  vineyard, which are planted in sandy
  phylloxera-resistant soil, produce the
• Grenache that is blended with Syrah and
  Mourvedre, forming our luscious Cashmere wine.

7
Mourvèdre

• The origin of this grape, also called
  mataro, is thought to be Spain (named
  monastrell), where warmer climates allow this
  late burgeoning fruit a lengthened hang time,
  allowing the small, sweet, thick skinned grape to
  ripen fully. The tightly bundled fruit needs
  ample ventilation to circumvent its
  susceptibility to mildew. Vintners use Mourvèdre
  in blends to boost color and tannins. Unblended
  Mourvèdre wines are intensely colored, somewhat
  alcoholic, profoundly tannic and capable of aging
  well.
• Clines Ancient Vines Mourvèdre draws from
  some of our oldest, most historic and
  shyest-bearing vineyard blocks. These blocks
  perpetually produce fruit that is of stunning
  concentration. By naturally restricting yields to
  only 2 to 3 tons per acre, we are able to achieve
  a sublime expression of the Mourvèdre fruit.
  These grapes hold characteristics of dark, dusty
  berry fruit.

8
Syrah

• Long associated with the northern Rhône
  Valley of France, Syrah has been used for
  centuries to produce some of the worlds finest
  and exotically aromatic wines. An illustrious
  leader of longevity, it is now widely planted in
  other regions of France as well as Italy,
  Australia (known there as Shiraz) and California.
  Syrah has the ability to form intense wines that
  are deep violet - almost black in color, with
  chewy texture and richness. The aromas tend to be
  more spicy than fruity.
• Cline Syrahs are known for their deep
  color, distinctive aromas, smooth tannins and
  robust flavors. Our vineyards are located in the
  cool climate growing regions of the Sonoma Coast
  and Sonoma Carneros appellations. This region
  produces wines of surprising complexity. The deep
  purple color explodes with fresh blueberry and
  black cherry fruit, spiced with cracked black
  pepper aromas.