Sunday, 24 July 2011

Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley

Castello di Amorosa is a vineyard in the Napa Valley that takes a worldly approach to making wines. Old-world techniques blend with the terroir of the Napa Valley to create distinct wines. Castello di Amorosa wines are handcrafted and often Italian-style wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Bianco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a variety of dessert wines. The so-called Romance of Italy is found at this castle, from the twelfth century-style architecture to a horse-drawn carriage tour. Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley isn’t just a brief stop along a tour of wine country: It is a destination in itself. Costing 30 million dollars to build and a work-in-progress for fifteen years, the castle is finally ready to welcome guests.

If you wish to take a tour of Castello di Amorosa, including the castle and winery, reservations are required in advance. If you are just looking to taste the wines, then no reservations are necessary. This winery, located in the town of Calistoga, is worth a bit of research and planning, however, as unique opportunities are on offer. A horse-drawn vineyard tour brings guests through the property in a nineteenth-century horse-drawn carriage. The castle and winery are the backdrop as you glide through the vineyards, passing the first schoolhouse in Napa Valley and beautiful Lake Mario. This unique Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley tour takes place on Saturdays, and it fills up well in advance, so be sure to reserve your place to ensure being part of the horse-drawn carriage.

The culture of wine is about pleasure, and the staff at Castello di Amorosa want to share this pleasure with guests in a variety of ways. One method is with a wine-and-food pairing course, to provide visitors with a bit of education during their vacation to the Napa Valley. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, by reservation only, the castle sommelier explores a variety of food and wine pairing options. The course is called The Royal Pairings and takes place in the castle’s private royal apartment. Prices include all wine and food. For dessert-lovers, there is also a chocolate option. Learn how to pair Castello di Amorosa wines with chocolate, and see the flavors of these reserve wines come alive.

The pleasure of wine begins with hard work in the vineyards. A sense of craft and artistry is felt by those who care for the vines, who are well aware of the fruit of their labor. The vineyard uses a sustainable approach to managing pests, ensuring the quality of not only the wine, but the land as well. Grapes are harvested during the peak moment of flavor, and the finest French oak casks are used during the aging process. The entire process is taken very seriously by Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley, and once wines have been bottled, they continue to age before being available to the public. White wines age in the bottle one to two years, while reds can age three to four years before being sold.

If you’re interested in Castello di Amorosa wines, joining their wine club will ensure you get to sample their range. Five different choices for wine clubs ensure there is a good match for you. From two bottles a month to clubs that send only red wines, there is an option for a variety of palates. A gift shop located near the main tasting room allows for the purchase of winery related gifts after your tour. The high elevation, hillside vineyards of Castello di Amorosa produce powerful red wines.

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