The history of Napa Valley runs deep, back to days before Cabernet Sauvignon occupied the throne. In St. Helena, today one of the top sites for Cabernet, there are a few small sites featuring some of the heritage grapes of the area. Battuello maintains some plantings of what used to be known as Napa Gamay within their 82 acres of vineyards, and makes both a red wine and a rosé that offer a look into the valley’s past. This vintage shows bold Grand Cru Beaujolais-like style, with rich cherry, blueberry and spice, yet it shows a little rustic edge that is unmistakably California. For those wishing to know the region’s roots, this is a fun glimpse into the past.
Battuello Vineyards, St. Helena, Napa Valley (California) Valdiguie 2018
By Rich Cook