Saturday, November 6th, PhoenixBites headed out to The Festival at The Farm in hopes of tasting some of the greatest wines we’ve ever encountered. And we did.
We were lucky enough to nab an interview with Eric Glomski of Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Eric is the Vineyard Founder and Director of Winemaking of Arizona Stronghold and took home several awards for his wines.
Eric walked us through each of his wines, letting us sip and taste while he explained the meaning and background of each (all of the Arizona Stronghold wines are named after Cochise family members):
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Tazi
Tazi, named after the eldest son of Cochise and peacemaker for the Chiricahua Apache, is a blend including Sauvignon Blanc , Chardonnay, Riesling, Malvasia Bianca. Eric explained that each type of varietal is like a component of the body (he likened them to the features of the face), all contributing to the overall appearance and experience of the wine.
Site Archive 2009 Bonita Springs Chardonnay
Site Archive 2009 Bonita Springs Chardonnay won the People’s Choice award at the festival and received an award from the Arizona Grower’s Cup in the White Wine category. Bonita Springs (north side of Willcox) used to be the Kokopelli’s family vineyard.
Dayden
Dayden, Arizona Stronghold’s rosé, won a gold medal this year and last year. Eric stated that he probably drinks more rosé than anything else. Dayden has a pretty nose and is not tannic, with strawberry overtones. A very pretty wine (and one of our favorites).
El Serrano
El Serrano, is spicy, earthy and overall a food wine. Pair it with hearty and robust foods (like a steak or a burger). El Serrano is Eric’s personal favorite, however it didn’t even place!
Mangus
Mangus – Italian Style – is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Merlot. It’s brighter than the others and has a higher acid level. Pair this wine with fatty foods (like a Bolognese or Salmon) because the acid works to cleanse the palate.
Nachise
Nachise , named for the youngest and fiercest, warrior and freedom fighter for the Chiricahua Apache, won gold last year. Nachise is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourverdre. Of all the patrons we encountered during our interview, this was the most popular wine.
Dala
Dala, the Apache word for “One”, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was just released. Heavy notes of black currant can be detected.
Since we are wine novices, Eric explained that everyone’s experience is unique. You like what you like and you don’t what you don’t.
When we asked him to tell us a little more about his Documentary/Comedy with Maynard James Keenan, Blood Into Wine, he commented, “The wine business is so different than people think.” He wanted to make this documentary to really talk about the struggle to make great wines. “Wine snobbery is rampant. Grapes grow in the dirt, you know? We’re not trying to be better than anyone else,” Eric made it clear that in the documentary, they are not intending to bash wine critics, but rather to bring people together. It’s guaranteed to be a fun watch as they’ve brought in comedians, with lots of great Arizona scenery. (Side note: It’s available for streaming on Netflix!).
For more information about Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, visit arizonastrongholdvineyards.com
Also, check out Page Springs Cellars, Eric’s line at pagespringscellars.com and Caduceus, Maynard’s line at caduceus.org.
View photos from the event:
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Caduceus