Spring Releases ~ Succulento & Arinto

Help us pop the cork on Andis Wines first ever Charmat-method sparkling wine ~ A Brut Rosé of Barbera. Join us for the tasting celebration along with the release of our latest Arinto on Saturday, April 8th.

Our Italian partner, Lorenzo Muslia, coined the name Succulento, which in Italian means 'juicy and delectable' ~ like biting into a red delicious apple.

This inaugural sparkling wine follows up with notes of tart cherry. A combination of 30% barrel aging and partial malolactic fermentation creates warm toasty notes on the finish. The bubbles, created naturally in the traditional Charmat style, are soft on the palate. This sparkling drinks like a French Rosé. Pair with decadent foods from lobster to caviar.

From Master Class

Because Charmat method sparkling wines are bottled directly after secondary fermentation without additional aging, the wines have a fresh fruit character. This makes the Charmat method ideal for wines made from aromatic grape varieties like moscato and riesling. The technique will help retain the grapes’ aromas more than the traditional method, which introduces more nutty, toasty flavors from aging on the wine’s lees (dead yeast cells from fermentation).

Wines carbonated via the Charmat method have two to four atmospheres of pressure, which means that they have softer carbonation than wines made in the traditional method (which have five to seven atmospheres of pressure). Charmat method wines are filtered, so there is never any sediment in the bottle and the wines are crystal clear.

Arinto - Portuguese varietal often used in Vinho Verde (Portuguese white wine blend)

Our co-founder, Andy Friendlander, has been a fan of Vinho Verde for years and was seeking a way to produce it at Andis. Long time friend, Darrell Corti, suggested planting Arinto, one of the six varietals commonly blended in Vinho Verde.

As fate would have it, avid travelers and foodies, George and Wendy Rab, decided to retire in Amador County and purchased property just down the road from Andis Wines. Vinho Verde fans themselves, the Rabs were easily persuaded to plant Arinto on the rocky ridge of their property. 

Now known as the Ionian Vineyard, their entire two acre vineyard is dedicated to planting and growing Arinto exclusively for Andis Wines. You can often spot Andy and the Rabs enjoying a glass of Andis Arinto on the winery patio.

A foodies ultimate dream white wine. Bone dry, Arinto’s bright acidity and pops of citrus pair perfectly with richer seafood, scallops, lobster or fresh pasta in cream sauce.

Fun Facts

From Wine Folly, “Arinto: Also called “Pederna,” it is arguably Portugal’s finest white grape. Expect juicy melon and citrus with some bitter notes on the finish. Great examples can age 7+ years!” 

Arinto grows in a naturally hilly region in Northern Portugal similar to the terrain of the Sierra Foothills.

Join us as we taste both these wines on April 8th with Cousins Maine Lobster from 11am to 4pm.

Apr 4, 2023 at 8:21 AM Permalink

Celebrating International Women's Day & Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month - a time when we take a moment to celebrate the vital roles women have played in American history and beyond. 

As a majority woman-owned business, this is especially significant to us where a low percentage of women work in the wine industry. These women are still considered trailblazers, which would include our co-founder and executive winemaker, Janis Akuna, as well as our partner and COO, Jenae Plasse.

In 2020, Women Winemakers reported that out of 4,200 bonded wineries in California, only 14 percent had a woman as their lead winemaker. 

Janis recently spoke about the low percentage of female vintners and the honest challenges she faces as a winemaker. 

Does she believe there’s issues the industry needs to address? Absolutely, and it’s only starting to gain momentum.

Still, the increasing number of aspiring female vintners or those seeking management roles, show there is change on the horizon. An industry that will one day be more diversified and inclusive, thanks to trailblazers like Janis and Jenae. 

Andis Wines wouldn’t be what it is today without them and we thank them for all that they do.

Mar 8, 2023 at 10:35 AM Permalink

What Makes Our 2020 Shake Ridge Zinfandel Special?

Every wine has a story to tell and our 2020 Shake Ridge Zinfandel is definitely one worth sharing. 

Not everyone may know this, but our in-house winemaker, Mark Fowler, used to work for Shake Ridge Ranch’s acclaimed vineyard owner, Ann Kraemer. Mark is a second generation foothill winemaker who soaked in Ann’s expertise, which spans years of working in Napa Valley, Chile and Oregon.

Shake Ridge Ranch is an adolescent by vineyard standards, just starting to yield fruit in 2005; yet, because of Ann’s meticulous vineyard practices, it continues to bring attention to our area, including elite vintners throughout Napa and Sonoma.

“If there’s an aesthetic thread that courses through wines from Shake Ridge Ranch - it’s effusive aromas, generous yet tempered tannins, and fealty to any given grape variety’s color, texture and flavor, “ noted by wine writer Mike Dunne, who wrote about the vineyard in 2019 for the San Francisco Chronicle.

In fact, few vineyards, especially as young as Shake Ridge Ranch, have as many wines listed on Napa Valley’s acclaimed restaurant, The French Laundry - 11 total.

With a long waiting list of winemakers hoping for the opportunity to purchase her grapes, it wasn’t until some of Ann’s clients dropped out during the panic of 2020, that we had a chance to secure her Zinfandel grapes. 

Ann stopped by for a barrel tasting with Mark last August to check up on her “babies.”

Her verdict?

“Well done, Mark. It’s going to be a good wine.” 

And so it is…

We are producing a limited production line (150-200 cases) from some of the foothills most prized Zinfandel vineyards, including, of course, Shake Ridge Ranch, as well as Fox Creek, Distasio (1911), and Friedlander Estate. All the Zinfandels from this limited release series will be offered first to Club Andis members and available for tasting at special events only.

93 points - Wine Enthusiast 
Andis 2020 Shake Ridge Ranch Reserve Zinfandel (Sierra Foothills). This very layered wine is almost naughty in its decadence and deliciousness. Plump ripe fruit notes of bright red cherry, black plum and boysenberry join with complementary tones of vanilla, nutmeg, black tea, chocolate, black olive and game meat. Tannins are mouth coating yet smooth. The finish provides a lingering integration of aromas and flavors. — S.B.

Mar 1, 2023 at 7:47 AM Permalink

A Rising Star, Chef David Jitaro Fujimura

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Feb 22, 2023 at 8:53 AM Permalink

Andis Partners with Junior Achievement of Sacramento

We're offering $5 meatball plates to guests throughout the month of February as an endeavor to support the Junior Achievement of Sacramento.

This is an extension from our January efforts to raise funds when guests could enjoy a bowl of soup for $5. All soup and meatball sales will be donated to the nonprofit.

Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization (with more than 103 operations across the nation!) dedicated to giving young people the skills they need to make wise career decisions. Many of their alumni earn college degrees and even go on to start their own businesses as adults.

Junior Acheivement depends on volunteers to mentor young people. They come from all walks of life, including business professionals, college students, parents and retirees. 

We love this program's vision and believe every little bit helps. Even a $5 plate of meatballs. 

To learn more about this program, visit JASAC.org. Please stop by for a plate so we can donate!

Feb 8, 2023 at 9:31 AM Permalink