The Truchard family wine tradition began in the U.S. over a century ago. In 1887, Jean Marie Truchard emigrated from a small town outside of Lyon, with his brother, Father Anthony Marie Truchard, a Catholic priest. Together they established a vineyard and winery on a 500-acre plot of land in Southeast Texas. During that time, phylloxera was devastating the vineyards in Europe. Although no formal records exist, it is possible that Jean Marie and Anthony left because this root louse caused the grape vines in France to quickly shrivel and die. This may also have influenced the brothers to plant a more disease-resistant grape called Herbemont that was originally grown in the northern part of Africa, a French colony at the time. In those days, Texas was recognized for viticulture, given its “can-do” spirit and local botany knowledge. Despite these facts and their best efforts, the Truchard winery, founded just outside Houston, did not survive prohibition or the Texas heat; however, the old barn that housed it still stands today.
Tony’s persistence led him to become one of the pioneers of the soon-to-be Carneros AVA. Since 1973, the Truchard estate has grown to 400 acres, of which 280 acres are planted. (Roughly 80% Sustainably Grown, 20% Organically Grown).
The vines at Truchard Vineyards benefit not only from the cooling fog and moderate temperatures of Carneros, but are also influenced by the estate’s unique topography, consisting of rolling hills, steep ravines, and numerous valleys. In addition, they are positioned across a wide variety of soil types including clay, shale, sandstone, lava rock, and volcanic ash. These factors allow the Truchards to grow diverse grape varieties, each planted with its optimal growing conditions in mind and minimal intervention.
TASTING NOTES:
Rich aromas of blueberry, black cherry, and cassis; with a touch of cedar and sweet vanilla. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of red currant, cocoa, and ripe plum. Velvety tannins fill the palate and provide a lengthy finish of dried red fruit and spice.