The Clone 8 Cabernet Clone was one of the most popular plantings in France and then in the US in the 1990’s. From our research, it has been said that it was one of the plantings that came it California in a suitcase. Clone 8 is strong Cabernet producer that yields about 6 tons to the acre. The wines have great fruit characteristics, deep color, good sugar to acid ratio, and are structurally sound. The tannins are strong.

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  Cabernet Sauvignon Specimen

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Color: Red Other names: Varietal Notes: Originating in the Balkan Peninsula, it was the preferred grape of Bordeaux by the early 19th C. and appeared in California in the 1880’s. After Prohibition ended in 1933 several Napa Valley wineries began making excellent Cabernet in California style, emphasizing the inherent character of the grape. Sometimes blended with Merlot or Cabernet Franc to add balance and softness.	Courtesy Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Characteristics*: Rich, elegant, full bodied, intense color and flavor, tannic, high acid Aromas/Flavors*: Fruit- black currants, herbaceous; vegetal- green olives; chocolate Food Pairing: Lamb, duck, game meats, aged cheeses, chocolate desserts Aging**: Ages extremely well; most at their best in 5-10 years, much longer for better ones Commercial Examples***:   * Character, Aromas, and Flavors of wine produced from the above-mentioned grapes are based upon a general assessment of the variety. Winemaker results will vary. ** The ability to age is tied directly to the wine's chemical make-up. Aging in the context of a varietal assumes the wines produced can or tend to yield the correct chemical make-up. Winemaker results will vary. *** Commercial Examples provided as varietal references for benchmarking. Winemaker results will vary.

 

California > Suisun Valley  

Information and excerpts obtained from the following sources:

Wooden Valley Winery And Vineyards

 

Winemaking Practices:

Rick Lanza takes a straight forward approach to wine making allowing wonderfully grown grapes that have be given enough time to mature speak for themselves.

Wine Labels:

Wooden Valley (White Gamay, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet, Merlot, Primitivo, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Blends), Lanza Vineyards (Reserve Wines)

Availability:

From the tasting room in Suisun Valley, online club, fine grocery chains in California Wine Country, direct shipping.

 

Wooden Valley Winery And Vineyards

For three generations the Lanza family has worked the vineyards of Wooden Valley Winery. Mario and Lena, whose families migrated from the village of Silvano DiOrba in northern Italy, settled in Suisun Valley in 1944. Nestled among the vineyards and rolling hills of Suisun Valley, the winery is a few miles off Interstate 80 and located only two miles from the Napa County line.

The winery has been in operation since the end of prohibition. Mario joined the winery first as a partner and then, in 1955, he became the sole owner.

Today, it is still a family operation, with Mario's son Richard and his four sons working together to produce award-winning estate wines from the finest quality Suisun Valley wine grapes.

The family produces approximately 10,000 cases of wine a year from their 200 acres in Suisun Valley. Visitors are welcome to come and experience premium varietals and perhaps spend some time in the vine covered picnic area.

Musto Wine Grape Co. is pleased to offer Wooden Valley's Premium Suisun Valley wine grapes to our home winemaking and winery customers.

For more information on Wooden Valley Winery and Vineyards, visit www.woodenvalley.com

 

Vineyard Data 

261.06 acres

Cabernet 169:The Cabernet 169 clone is a French clone that. The first 169 clone to come to the US was planted by UC Davis in 2003. Since then, it has been gaining popularity in all the major Cabernet growing regions. Especially in on Mount Veeder. It has good berry size, high vigor, and a well-balanced acid to sugar ratio. The wine can be higher in alcohol depending on the winemaking style. It was created to produce a big and bold Cabernet with intense complexity. The color is a vibrant, deep red. The mouth feel tends to be bold and linger. This grape is definitely for the adventurous winemaker.

Koch Cabernet: The Koch ranch Cabernet is farmed on incredibly rocky soil. The soil absorbs most of the moisture therefore producing a more intense fruit. The Koch ranch is only 8 acres, so this product is in high demand. Musto sells out of the Koch Cabernet every year.

Cabernet 15: This Cabernet Clone originates from Aquitcuine, France (South East France, Bordeaux, largest grape region in France). It is known for its high yield, high levels of Anthocyanins (attributes to aging and color), and high tannins. The wines are described as having raspberry, cherry, plum, and cocoa notes. It has an intense body and is structurally solid. Definitely an age worthy Cabernet.

Cabernet 8: The Clone 8 Cabernet Clone was one of the most popular plantings in France and then in the US in the 1990’s. From our research, it has been said that it was one of the plantings that came it California in a suitcase. Clone 8 is strong Cabernet producer that yields about 6 tons to the acre. The wines have great fruit characteristics, deep color, good sugar to acid ratio, and are structurally sound. The tannins are strong.

California > Suisun Valley

Information and excerpts obtained from the following sources:

Suisun Valley Information Page

Suisun Valley Grape Growers Association

What Makes Suisun Valley Grapes Favorable?

Outstanding quality fruit serving super premium to luxury category wines - Suisun is amongst the favorites for Napa Wineries looking to outsource grapes.

Marine influence of San Pablo Bay & Suisun Bay

Part of the California North Coast AVA

The Valley's climate variances supports the production of both cool climate and warm climate grapes.

Geography Facts:

Suisun Valley lies within the southern end of two ranges of the Coast Range, the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mt George Range to the west. Suisun Valley terminates in the south at the marshlands of Suisun Bay. To the north Suisun Valley rolls up into Wooden Valley at the Napa County line.

Length: approximately 8 miles

Width: approximately 3 miles at widest point

Orientation: north to south, split mid valley to two fingers

Drainage: Suisun and Ledgewood Creeks drain into Suisun Bay

Climate Facts:

Suisun Valley lies within Coastal area climates characterized by cool moist winds blowing inland from the ocean and San Francisco/San Pablo Bay almost continuously from May through early Fall. Spring frosts often mitigated by proximity to Suisun Bay.

Suisun Valley lies within Coastal area climates characterized by cool moist winds blowing inland from the ocean and San Francisco/San Pablo Bay almost continuously from May through early Fall. Spring frosts often mitigated by proximity to Suisun Bay.

Climate Type: mid region III as classified by the University of California Davis system of heat summarization by degree days.0

Accumulation: averages roughly 3,350 degree days per year. mid valley avg 3,250 to 3,450 degree days per year upper valley avg 3,700 to 3,750 degree days per year

Soil Facts:

Suisun Valley consists of a mixture of soils, zoned within the valley floor, and additional none typed soils within the undeveloped hillsides.

Soil types include: Brentwood clay loam San Ysidro sandy loam Sycamore silty loam Rincon clay loam AVA

Acreage:

Gross Acreage of AVA15,000 Under Vine Acre Estimate3,000

Water:

Suisun Valley is provided primary agricultural water via Putah South Canal, which draws from Lake Berryessa and is operated by Solano Irrigation District.

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The Suisun Valley is certainly the place to go, if you are looking to slow down and savor nature's bounty. It is the host to many farm stands, eateries, and food-related events. If you are in the area, consider packing a picnic and visiting some of the Valley's wineries who produce some exquisite wines.

Why not spend a day (or more) in Suisun Valley?

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For more information on visiting the Suisun Valley:

www.suisunvalley.com
Suisun Valley Information Page

For more information on the wine grapes of Suisun Valley

see www.svgga.com
Suisun Valley Grape Growers Association

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Suppliers Working in This Area

Lanza Vineyards

Tenbrink Vineyards

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Resources

A Suisun Valley Spotlight
Suisun Valley Transitions from Bulk Grape Growing to Premium Supplier
Suisun Valley: The California North Coast’s Forgotten Gem
Appellation America.com™ - Suisun Valley's Time - and Temperature - is right now!