PO 238, Rutherford CA 94573
www.tressabores.com
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley
Owner: Julie Johnson
Winemakers: Julie Johnson (aka Picpoul Blanc) and Jon Engelskirger (aka St Laurent)
About: Distinctive, truly enticing, and unconventional. A “hidden gem” in the Napa Valley.
Tres Sabores is nestled into the western hills of Rutherford, where winemaker and owner, Julie Johnson, and her family have lived since 1987. Elegant Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons are crafted from the 50 year-old, dry-farmed, organically certified estate vineyards. Petite Sirah, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Franc, St. Laurent, and Picpoul blanc are sourced from other exceptional vineyards in the Napa Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Carneros, and Sierra Foothills appellations.
Our goal is to delight our customers by creating a tantalizing array of both single vineyard selections and blends for our portfolio. We craft wines to broaden your own sensory “perspective” as well as to deepen your personal enjoyment of wine.
Regenerative, climate-wise farming practices promote soil health (and win equality!) Plantings of pomegranates, Meyer lemons, century-old olives, hedge rows, and cover crops provide a wonderfully diverse setting where native birds, hawks, and beneficial insects flourish. A small herd of sheep (the best mowers!) and a flock of guinea fowl contribute mightily to the sustainability of the farm; we are passionate stewards of the land.
We celebrate and respect the roots of our community, not to mention the skilled work that goes into cultivating each bottle of wine. Indeed, the song “Sabor a Mi” provided the inspiration for Tres Sabores, inviting one to taste the “Three Savory Flavors” in every glass: the vine, the terroir, and the spirit that good company brings to every table
What is your favorite forgotten grape? Well, personally, I think that when it comes to the Napa Valley, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are very forgotten grapes (down from > 50% to < 3% of acreage). The balance of grapes are being rediscovered. St Laurent is key.
What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? My husband (winemaker, Jon Engelskirger) showed up at the winery one September night in 2014 hauling seven tons of St Laurent from the Ricci Vineyard in Los Carneros. (“Surprise”!!) He unloaded the bins and held a séance to decide what to do with them. (We’ve loved the results over the years and still make what is roughly 10-15% of the St Laurent in CA).
What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? “forgotten grapes” are often varieties developed over the centuries by (local) vignerons, cooperatives, monasteries, etc. that for some reason they never made it to “big time” –to our detriment! Now, as the best of these varieties are being rediscovered, planted, and made into wine, people are discovering the delights of varietal diversity. These grapes celebrate the heritage of the communities and people who developed them, diverse grape varieties propel vineyards into a place of more sustainability, varietal diversity piques the curiosity and interest of consumers. These are grapes that that help to highlight the past by moving everyone into the future.
