“November is for Nebbiolo” at Palmina Winery

“Not only is this a world-class winegrowing region”, states owner/winemaker Steve Clifton, “but also a farming region that can produce fresh, high-quality food year round. There are not many places in the world like this. It’s a foodie’s paradise!” The Clifton’s winemaking focus has always been to produce wines that are an “extension of the plate”, or as Chrystal Clifton puts it, “simply one element of a meal. We think of wine as the fifth ‘food group’.”

While all of Palmina’s wines are created to go with food, the one that perhaps puts the biggest sparkle in the Clifton’s eyes is Nebbiolo. This grape rivals the area’s famous Pinot Noir for its diva-like nature, requiring extreme attention to both farming and winemaking. Clifton’s protocols for Nebbiolo have been honed over the 20 years he has been working with the grape, including forays to the grape’s Italian epicenter of Barolo, to more thoroughly understand it. Over the three of four years of time the wines spend in the cellar, he coaxes them into wines that are enjoyable upon release but also have beautiful ageability. “We just tasted some of our 2002 Nebbiolos, and they are just gorgeous. And still youngsters!” notes Steve.

As November brings hearty dishes, stews and soups and the ultimate communal meal of Thanksgiving, Palmina has declared the month as “Nebbiolo Month”. They are releasing four vineyard designated Nebbiolos from the 2007 vintage and 2010 “Lumina” sparkling Nebbiolo, along with individual recipes that complement the wines and the fresh finds at the area Farmers Markets. “Thanksgiving is such a great holiday”, Chrystal states. “Friends and family around a table simply enjoying each other’s company, great food, and wine. It’s also a truly American holiday that celebrates the harvest, and we hope that people consider serving American wines at their table this year. Of course, we think our Nebbiolos are the perfect match!”

“We also realize that not everyone has food for their table this time of year”, adds Steve. “We hope to help out a little by donating a portion of all Nebbiolo sales in November to the Santa Barbara Food Bank. It’s just a small way that we can help a few families have a happier Thanksgiving.”

Palmina is a Californian celebration of the rich, wonderful lifestyle and attitude toward food, wine, friends and family that exists in Italy. For more information, click here or contact Chrystal Clifton at (805) 735-2030 or via email at chrystal@palminawines.com .