The Symphony
Grape
A white grape variety created in California, a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. It produces aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes, including peach, apricot, and tropical fruits, often with a sweet or off-dry finish, showcasing its Muscat parentage's influence.
Symphony
Grape History
The Symphony grape is a relatively new hybrid grape variety that was created by crossing Muscat of Alexandria with Grenache Gris. This hybrid was developed in the 1940s by Dr. Harold Olmo, a renowned viticulturist and grape breeder at the University of California, Davis. The grape was officially released for commercial cultivation in the 1980s.
Symphony grapes are known for their aromatic qualities, reminiscent of Muscat grapes, with floral and fruity notes that can range from citrus to stone fruit. The grape is particularly popular for its intense and fragrant aroma, making it a favorite for white wine production.
Symphony grapes are primarily grown in California, particularly in the Central Valley and the Central Coast regions. The grape thrives in warm and sunny climates, producing high-quality fruit with good sugar levels and acidity. The grape is also grown in some parts of Arizona and Texas.
In terms of wine production, Symphony grapes are often used to create off-dry to semi-sweet white wines. The grape's aromatic profile lends itself well to producing wines with floral and fruity notes. Symphony wines are often enjoyed for their refreshing and approachable characteristics, making them popular choices for casual gatherings and as aperitifs.
With the increasing interest in aromatic white wines and unique grape varieties, Symphony has been gaining popularity among winemakers and consumers alike. The grape's versatility in winemaking and its ability to express different terroirs make it an exciting option for both blending and single-varietal wines.
Looking to the future, Symphony grapes are expected to continue to gain recognition and popularity in the wine world. As consumers seek out new and interesting varietals, Symphony's distinctive aroma and flavor profile are likely to appeal to a wide range of wine enthusiasts. Additionally, the grape's adaptability to various growing conditions and its ability to produce high-quality fruit bodes well for its future success in the wine industry. Symphony is definitely a grape variety to keep an eye on as it continues to make its mark in the world of wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel