I paid a visit to Quady while returning from a trip to the mountains just south of Yosemite. The pilgramage to Quady is one that I have long wanted to make yet it is a drive from Sonoma County. This time the stars were aligned and time was on my side before returning to teach the Wine Marketing class.
Cynthia Leon took me on a tasting of the wines that I had not tried before while winemaker Michael Blaybock and assistant winemaker Darin Peterson answered my many questions.
Quady is a fascinating place with its emphasis on fortified gems like the Vya Vermouths. At the same time though, they produce some solid table wines. Without the visit to Madera I never would have had the opportunity to taste the delicious Tempranillo below.
Quady, California, Visao 2007 The nose features sweet vanilla, fresh and dried fruits and a little bit of prunes showing a port-like character sans the alcohol. In the mouth, there is a sweet expression of fruit in this light-bodied, easy to drink wine. Only 60 cases made so call the winery if you want to pick up a bottle. The grape behind this wine is Tinta Roriz, a.k.a., Tempranillo. Winemaker Michael Blaylock. P&B in Madera 13.9% $10.50 at the winery Quady Winery
