The Los Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) stretches across both Napa and Sonoma counties; it is a unique bridge between two spectacular worlds. In the Napa Valley, it’s the southeaster-most AVA, and its proximity to the San Pablo Bay offers a cooling influence on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that thrive here. Many sparkling wine houses have made their names here, but there is more to Los Carneros AVA wines than just bubbles.
The wines of Carneros are sharp and in focus, reminding us of the self-aware, textured worlds of Jane Austen. Austen’s writing has the unique gift of making the most ordinary moments extraordinary and holds the romantic flow of country life and the complicated nature of the world beyond it in one breath.
The Sensibility of Los Carneros AVA Wines
In addition to the phenomenal sparkling wines, illuminating still wines made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Gris make Los Carneros AVA a wine region to remember. The first AVA to be defined by its climate (rather than by its geology), Los Carneros is significantly cooler than surrounding Napa regions, thanks to the nearby San Pablo Bay. The bay brings in marine fog and breezes that allow wines to maintain acidity and freshness.
Rolling hills of sandy loam and clay offer good drainage and sun exposure to the grapevines. Just below the topsoil, the layer of clay is so dense that the vine roots can’t penetrate it, and this limits vigor during the growing season. Low vigor doesn’t sound great, but it actually results in more concentrated fruit.
Vintage To Vintage: Our Wines and Austen’s Novels
What is so captivating about Austen’s novels is shared by the Los Carneros AVA wines. Each novel expresses a deep love for her heroine, is a clever exploration of humanity, and juxtaposes everyday life with more complex interpersonal experiences.
With respect to the artistry of each, we’ve paired Austen’s novels with our wines throughout the yeas.
In 2016, we experienced drought, and the wine shows intense fruit and minerality due to the lower-than-normal years. This vintage pairs perfectly with Emma, a patient exploration of the day-to-day, told with wit and endearing humor.
2017 was a challenging year. With a drought over winter and wildfires near the end, we struggled along with our vines. This vintage pairs with Pride and Prejudice, a tale of Elizabeth Bennet who fights for love and doesn’t settle for less.
Our 2018 is rich and dark. The terroir is expressed so clearly that we can’t help but feel awe each time we drink it. This pairs perfectly with Northanger Abbey, a richly detailed story of Catherine’s adventures in romance, friendship, and fashion.
In 2019, our grapes enjoyed a long growing season. The fruit was ripe and the wine is lush and well-defined. This vintage pairs with Mansfield Park, the story of Fanny Price, who with strong self-awareness, navigates family and love.
2020 was challenging and the reds are powerful and concentrated. This vintage pairs with Persuasion, a satirical romance that unapologetically explores themes of love, loss, and second chances.
The 2021 is fresh, vibrant, and fruity. It pairs perfectly with the witty Lady Susan, a novel that shows Austen’s youthfulness as a writer and offers devout fans a perspective on her growth as a storyteller.
2022 was punctuated by a heat wave, and the is often referred to as the “tale of two harvests.” This vintage pairs with Sense & Sensibility, the story of two sisters as they come of age, whose lives are punctuated by the death of their father.
2023 made a wine that is bright, balanced, and highly lauded. Pair this wine with Sanditon, Austen’s unfinished novel, written shortly before her death. The 2023, poised for ageability, might be considered unfinished this year—and if you’re willing to wait, you’ll be rewarded.
Cozy up with a good wine
Like Austen’s work, the wines of Los Carneros AVA are as powerful as they are simple, as bright as they are rich, and maintain a depth reminiscent of the many winemaking styles that exist here. Getting to know them is like settling in with a good book—you never know where it will take you.