2017 Vincent Arroyo Rattlesnake Acres Petite Sirah

Vincent Arroyo Winery offered its first commercial release in 1984, twelve years after Vincent Arroyo bought farming property just north of Calistoga. Arroyo was an engineer in Silicon Valley but longed for a rural lifestyle. He planted vineyards and sold his grapes to a Napa cooperative for the first few years. Today Arroyo’s daughter Adrian and her husband Matt Moye run the winery. Moye is also the winemaker. The winery owns vineyards and sources grapes from nearby vineyards. Vincent Arroyo produces more than 8,000 cases of wine annually and makes red, white and dessert wines.

Calistoga AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having been given appellation status in 2010. It is notable for its volcanic soil, which is unusual in the Napa Valley. Calistoga also experiences the greatest average 24-hour temperature swing of any Napa Valley AVAs, which Calistoga grape growers insist give the grapes time to “cool down” at night, making for better balanced wines. The 1,500 Calistoga vineyard acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, along with smaller amounts of other varietals. Calistoga is at the northern end of Napa Valley, northwest of the Diamond District and St. Helena AVAs. Longtime winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, which is located in the Calistoga AVA, proposed the creation of the appellation.

Despite its popularity, this grape is quite rare. Less than 10,000 acres are planted worldwide, with the bulk in California. In France, the grape is referred to as Durif. Not to be confused with Syrah, Petite Sirah is a cross of Syrah and Peloursin. The result is darker and fuller.