Arizona Stronghold Mandala White 2010
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Uniquely Arizona - Our wines reflect our appreciation for the uniqueness of the Arizona earth and the characters that these locations lend to the finished product. We believe that the soils and climate at the vineyard stand up to the finest in the world, feeling strongly that the wines express, first and foremost, Arizona, and secondarily the grapes and hands of the vignerons involved.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
A perfect example of quality at high elevation—with an otherwise extremely hot and dry climate—Arizona’s best wines come from vineyards at 4,000 to 5,000 feet. At these elevations, large diurnal temperature shifts allow grapes to fully ripen while retaining good acidity levels.
The state produces impressive Syrah and Zinfandel as well as some noteworthy whites.