PRODUCER: Viano Vineyards
REGION: Contra Costa County, California, USA
WINEMAKERS: John & David Viano
WINERY HISTORY
In 1920, the Viano family - newly arrived in California from Piedmont - purchased a vineyard planted in 1888 around what is now Contra Costa County AVA. Quickly building a name for themselves in the fertile landscape surrounding the San Francisco Bay, they became one of fifteen wineries servicing the increasingly urbanised regions of Northern California. Over a century later, Viano is the only winery that continues to operate in the area, defying the increasingly metropolitan ethos of the East Bay
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
The unique soil composition of Contra Costa County - one of California’s newest AVAs - allowed these centenarian vines to survive the Phylloxera outbreak which devastated California vines during the 20th century. Vines are nestled on hillsides surrounding a fertile valley, where breezes rushing off the Carquinez Straits provide optimal growing conditions. Alongside newer plantings, these dry-farmed, sustainably managed, and ancient vines produce some of the state’s most alluring Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. By retaining some classic plantings and modernising in other areas, Viano have proven to be experts in keeping up with the constantly shifting landscape of American wine.
In their urban oasis, the Viano Brothers - John and David - are resolutely traditional in their winemaking. They exclusively use natural yeast fermentations, and age their wines in used American oak. By employing these minimal intervention techniques, the wines of Viano - marked by the vines’ age, unique weather patterns, and profound sandy soils - reveal the distinct character of Contra Costa County. The Zinfandel is intriguing and full-flavoured. Ripe, soft, loaded with berry flavours and a peppery finish, this excellent value wine is an easy drinker. The Cabernet Sauvignon delights with soft, velvety tannins. Its flavours of dark fruit, berries, and plum are enhanced by limited oak aging, making this the perfect introduction to California Cabernet.
