Karly Wines

About twenty years ago we realized our Sierra Foothill climate was a lot more like southern Europe than the cool coastal areas of California. If we were going to produce any reds here other than the proven Zinfandel, we needed to look among Mediterranean grape varieties. In 1989 we started planting Mourvedre (which was very difficult to obtain at the time) and grafted a section of our Sauvignon Blanc to Syrah. In a very few years it was obvious the experiment was successful. We then questioned why we should be “importing” Chardonnay from the Central Coast; we were just one more boring Chardonnay. Instead, why not try the white wines from these warmer climes? We grafted more of the Sauvignon Blanc to Marsanne and by 1996 had produced a wine that was selected three times to be served in the White House. Excited, we next planted Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, and Clairette Blanche, all varieties used in producing white wines in southern France, Spain, and Italy. The Marsanne is now a mainstay at Karly and Rolle (Vermentino in Spain and Italy) is part of our Bantam Cellars lineup. All of the varieties produced some interesting wines, but these are the two we have decided to feature.

Marsanne has a unique taste. Depending on the year, it can have varying contributions of peach, lichee, bacon, flint, nuts and always citrus. The grape does not carry much acid so it needs to be made in a ripe voluptuous style, malolactic fermentation is not appropriate. It carries a lot of oak easily, so it is aged eight months in one-third new French barrels. The wine matches well with strong flavors such as salmon, anchovies, lemon, olives and olive oil, garlic, and roast chicken. In short, Mediterranean dishes; another example of local wine suiting local food.