Roth Estate Cab
There are many excellent wineries in the Alexander Valley. Among them is the Roth Estate Winery. The Alexander Valley is one of the larger AVA wine districts in California, located in the northeastern end of Sonoma County near the city of Healdsburg. This area is excellent for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The coastal mountain range to the west of the Alexander Valley helps keep this AVA warmer. The valley has very little fog from the Pacific Ocean, and if they do get fog it’s along the Russian River and burns off with the strong morning sun. The Russian River runs alongside the Alexander Valley, which has alluvial and riverbed soils that are high in mineral content—a combination that is great for growing wines. The Alexander Valley’s cool nights and warm afternoon temperatures help produce high quality fruit and excellent wines.
Roth Estate is a family-owned winery that was established in 2001, making only Cabernet Sauvignon from the rolling hills of the Alexander Valley. Ten years later the winery started producing Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Today they are dedicated to producing classic Bordeaux-style red wines rich in intensity and depth. Their Chardonnay is planted in the higher hillside closer to the coast in a cooler climate that produces rich and ripe grapes with a nice balance of acidity. Their Sauvignon Blanc is planted along the Russian River, which helps make zesty, citrus and elegantly textured wines.
The new state-of-the-art winery and cave at Roth Estate will help their director of winemaking, Leslie Mead Renaud, make and store outstanding wines. According to the winery, their 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon “has aromas of black fruits intertwined with vanilla bean, tobacco leaf and black olive. The wine is soft with supple tannins and a full body. It displays a medley of flavors with black currant, blackberry, plum, black olive and herbs in the forefront, but has subtle notes of spices and cedar that offer a wonderfully balanced and lingering finish.” This wine pairs well with grilled steaks, braised short ribs and cheeses like Gouda, gorgonzola and mild blue cheese. The Cabernet Sauvignon retails for $27.99.
The winery describes the Roth 2014 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc as “crisp and balanced with a nice vibrant acidity. On the nose, it displays notes of tropical fruits, citrus zest and floral aromas that carry through to the palate with lively flavors of melon and grapefruit. The wine finishes strong for a long, juicy finish.” This wine pairs well with light fish, shellfish, salads and green vegetables. It retails for $12.99.
You can order or find Roth Estate Wines at Acme Fresh Markets, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Heinen’s, Fisher Foods, Giant Eagle, Papa Joe’s, Regency, River Side Wine & Imports and 750ml or your favorite wine retailer in the Greater Akron area.
Wine Wisdom: Before you purchase a bottle of wine, don’t forget to read the back label of the bottle. You’ll find additional information about the wine or winery that could add to your knowledge and enjoyment. Sometimes you’ll find information as to what to serve with your wine purchase.
