Charlie Green's Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the difference between Syrah, Shiraz and Petite Sirah??
A: Syrah & Shiraz are the same grape. The difference being that Shiraz is the name used in Australia & sometimes in California. The only real difference is in winemaking style. Shiraz is usually made with riper grapes from warmer climates and tends to be fruiter and more up front, more in your face! Syrah is generally made from grapes from cooler climes and is more refined & elegant. A smoother food wine. Much better for long term enjoyment.

Petite Sirah is a totally different grape. Some would say it's like Shiraz on steroids! Very dark, very, very tannic. Originally a hybrid from France, named Durif, for use in the much warmer regions of Southern France. It was never popular in France but did do better in California where it was mistakenly named Petite Sirah. There is more to this part of the story, but lets just say that 50 years ago farmers in California didn't much care what they were planting as long as someone would buy it & they didn't put too much effort into spelling.

Q: What is Barbera, a wine or a grape??
A: Barbera is the name of a wine made from a grape of same name. It comes from the North West of Italy, mainly the Piedmont region. It is the most widely grown wine in the North of Italy. It's character is very fruity, very low tannins & it is a little tart. Good ones are a very dark crimson color with a shocking pink rim. Because it is a bit tart, it is a very good food wine, especially with Italian food. It is very successful in California and especially in the Sierra Foothills. Charlie thinks it is a better food wine than Sangiovese (Chianti).

Q: What is special about wines from the Sierra Foothills of California??
A: Just that, the hills. The vineyards are mostly planted between 1000 ft. & 2000 Ft. elevation, with some going up to 3000 ft. This makes for warm dry days and very cool nights. The cool nights are the key as this helps the grapes retain their natural acid. Grapes grown in the hot central valley tend to tast a bit flat as they have very low acid levels. Also steep hillsides make for good drainage, both water & airflow. Another factor is the low fertility of foothill land, which gives you low production. Most of the land is thin & rocky or decomposed granite which is like course sand. Great drainage & low fertility!! The grapes have to struggle to survive & ripen a crop of grapes. Grapes, like children, develop character if they have to struggle. (have you ever seen a spoiled rich kid?) The climate in the foothills is a bit like Tuscany in Italy or perhaps Piedmont to the North of Tuscany.

Q: What is the normal method you use to ship wine orders?
A: FedEx

Q: What is your delivery area?
A: Currently to U.S. states. States I will now ship to:

Alaska   Arizona   California   Colorado   Connecticut
Florida   Georgia   Hawaii   Idaho   Illinois
Iowa   Louisiana   Michigan   Minnesota   Missouri
Nebraska   Nevada   New Hampshire   New Mexico
New York   North Carolina   North Dakota   Ohio
Oregon   Rhode Island   South Carolina   Texas
Vermont   Virginia   Washington   Washington DC
West Virginia   Wisconsin

Note:  Many states have additional requirements, such as
a limit on amount that can be shipped in one year or the collection of
sales taxes.  These items will be determined at the time of the receipt
of the order. Remember to include your email address or phone number so
I can contact you about any requirements.  Further information can be
obtained at www.wineinstitute.org/programs/shipwine/

STATES I CANNOT SHIP TO:

Alabama   Arkansas   Delaware   Indiana
Kansas   Kentucky   Maine   Maryland
Massachusetts   Mississippi   Montana
New Jersey   Oklahoma   Pennsylvania
South Dakota   Tennessee   Utah