Fast facts: over 34,000 vineyard acres, 54/46 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are:  Gewurztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sylvaner, Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio, Nosiola, Savignon, Moscato and Gialo. Key red grape varietals are: Schiava, Lagrein, Teroldego, Marzemino, Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Moscato Rosa.

Cougar’s Pinot Grigio is clone VCR05 on rootstock 3309C.

PINOT GRIGIO – “PEE-KNOW-GREE-GEE-OH”

Pinot Grigio is a light, very crisp, dry white.

Origin: A mutation of Pinot Noir, which it resembles in the field, Pinot Grigio is the Italian white wine most recognized by American wine consumers. It is most prominent in Alto-Adige, Veneto and especially Friuli, where the finest examples are made in the Collio area. Italians pick the fruit early as it has a tendency to drop acidity when it ripens fully.

Description: Pale, straw-yellow or very light copper in color with a bright and flowery fragrance. Firm acidity gives Pinot Grigio a mouth watering appeal. Generally offers nice mid-palate balance with a short, clean finish.

Fast facts: over 44,000 vineyard acres, 57/43 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Tocai Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Picolit, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Verduzzo, Prosecco, Muller-Thurgau, Riesling and Traminer Aromatico. Key red grape varietals are: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, Cabernet, Pignolo, Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe, and Terrano.

Cougar’s Pinot Grigio is clone VCR05 on rootstock 3309C.

PINOT GRIGIO – “PEE-KNOW-GREE-GEE-OH”

Pinot Grigio is a light, very crisp, dry white.

Origin: A mutation of Pinot Noir, which it resembles in the field, Pinot Grigio is the Italian white wine most recognized by American wine consumers. It is most prominent in Alto-Adige, Veneto and especially Friuli, where the finest examples are made in the Collio area. Italians pick the fruit early as it has a tendency to drop acidity when it ripens fully.

Description: Pale, straw-yellow or very light copper in color with a bright and flowery fragrance. Firm acidity gives Pinot Grigio a mouth watering appeal. Generally offers nice mid-palate balance with a short, clean finish.

Fast facts: over 182,000 vineyard acres, 37/63 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are:  Garganega, Trebbiano, Prosecco, Chardonnay, Tocai Friulano, Riesling, Incrocio Manzoni, Pinot Bianco, and Vespaiola. Key red grape varietals are: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Raboso.

Cougar’s Glera is unknown clone and rootstock.

GLERA (AKA PROSECCO) – “GLEH-rah”

Glera is usually done frizzante-style (lightly fizzing) sweet, semi-sweet or dry.

Origin: Slovenian origin and brought to the town of Prosecco to be planted.

Description: Rather neutral grape but can be slightly bitter in the finish.

Fast facts: over 148,000 vineyard acres, 57/43 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are:  Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Albana, Malvasia, Pignoletto, Ortrugo and Sauvignon Blanc. Key red grape varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Bonarda, and Barbera.

Cougar’s Malvasia Bianca is clone FPS03 on rootstock 110R.

MALVASIA BIANCA – “mahl-vah-ZEE-ah”

Malvasia Bianca is produced in a wide array of wine styles with distinctive grapey aromas. Malvasia Bianca is used to produce dry, sweet, sparkling and specialty wines.

Origin: Originally from Greece and widely planted in Italy, Iberia and also California.

Description: Aromatic white found throughout Italy, here used in still, sparkling and sweet wines.

Fast facts: over 50,000 vineyard acres, 38/62 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are:  Verdicchio, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Biancame, Maceratino and Sauvignon Blanc. Key red grape varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Lacrima, Montepulciano, Syrah and Merlot.

Cougar’s Sangiovese is of two clones. VCR23 aka FPS10 on rootstock 3309 and also the Brunello VCR06 aka FPS07 on rootstock 3309.

SANGIOVESE – “SANH-JO-VEY-ZAY”

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, “the blood of Jove”. It is most famous as the main component of the Chianti blend in Tuscany, as well as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Morellino di Scansano, although it can also be used to make varietal wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino or Sangiovese di Romagna, as well as modern “Super Tuscan” wines like Tignanello. Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry, flavors when aged in barrels. Sangiovese appears to have originated in Tuscany, where it was known by the 16th century.

Cougar’s Montepulciano is clone FPS02 on rootstock 110R.

MONTEPULCIANO – “MAWN-TEH-POOL-CHAH-NAW”

Montepulciano is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy’s 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled “Riserva.”

The Montepulciano grape is found in numerous regions around Southern Italy and most famously in the town of Abruzzo. The grape is confused with Sangiovese when used for making Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. While increasingly enjoyed as a non- blended varietal, Montepulciano is most classically crafted into two style of wines, Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. Both are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese with Piceno typically having a mixture of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Montepulciano whilte Conero is typically a blend of 15% Sangiovese and 85% Montepulciano.

Cougar’s Malvasia Bianca is clone FPS03 on rootstock 110R.

MALVASIA BIANCA – “MAL-VA-ZEE-AH BEE-AHN-KAH”

Malvasia Bianca runs the gamut from lightweight to full-flavored, dry to sweet, low to high alcohol. It is sometimes made as a sparkling wine.

A member of an ancient, highly esteemed Greek family of grapes vinified in a myriad of styles throughout Italy. Malvasia Bianca is one of the most widely planted, light-colored grape varieties in Italy and the world. On the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, it makes rare, rich and wonderfully aromatic passito wines.

Whether sweet or dry, Malvasia Bianca offers delightful aromas and flavors of honey and ripe Bosc pears with hints of allspice. Round, lushly fruity flavors and a plush texture lead to a finish that is determined by the degree of residual sugar and the cellar treatment. The lightest versions offer a clean, crisp finish, while those aged in small barrels may display light tannins and a hint of vanilla. Sweeter, more opulent versions linger on the palate.

Fast facts: over 83,000 vineyard acres.  Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano. Key red grape varietals are: Montepulciano.

Cougar’s Montepulciano is clone FPS02 on rootstock 110R.

MONTEPULCIANO – “MAWN-TEH-POOL-CHAH-NAW”

Montepulciano is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy’s 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled “Riserva.”

The Montepulciano grape is found in numerous regions around Southern Italy and most famously in the town of Abruzzo. The grape is confused with Sangiovese when used for making Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. While increasingly enjoyed as a non- blended varietal, Montepulciano is most classically crafted into two style of wines, Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. Both are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese with Piceno typically having a mixture of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Montepulciano whilte Conero is typically a blend of 15% Sangiovese and 85% Montepulciano.

Fast facts: over 210,000 vineyard acres, 60/40 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Bobino Bianco, Verdeca, Chardonnay, Trebbiano Toscano, and Malvasia Bianca. Key red grape varietals are: Negro Amaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Uva di Troia, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Aleatico.

Cougar’s Primitivo clone is FPS03 and the rootstock is 110R.

PRIMITIVO – “PREE-MIH-TEE-VOE”

Primitivo is dark red wine with bold fruity flavors.

The earliest knowledge of this varietal is that it originated in Greece. It is not known exactly how or when this plant was transported into Italy, but the history of this grape in Italy dates back many centuries. In the 17th century, it is known that the Benedictine monks named the varietal “Primitivo” because of its precociousness (early maturity of the grape) in this zone.

Primitivo has been called many things, but is also known as the father of the Zinfandel grape, now so popular in California. In recent years, DNA studies at the University of California at Davis show that the Zinfandel grape is the same as the Primitivo grape grown in southeastern Italy’s Puglia region.

Deeply colored, rich, and concentrated with flavors of zesty cherry, clove, wild blackberry, raspberry and spice.

Cougar’s Negro Amaro clone is FPS01 and the rootstock is 110R.

NEGROAMARO – “NEGR-AH-MAH-RO”

Negroamaro, also known as Negro amaro, is a red wine grape variety native to southern Italy. It is grown almost exclusively in Puglia and particularly in Salento, the peninsula which can be visualised as the “heel” of Italy. The grape can indeed produce wines very deep in color. Wines made from Negroamaro tend to be very rustic in character, combining perfume with an earthy bitterness. The grape produces some of the best red wines of Puglia, particularly when blended with the highly scented Malvasia Nera, as in the case of Salice Salentino.

Fast facts: over 20,000 vineyard acres, 73/27 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Malvasia.  Key red grape varietals are: Aglianico.

Cougar’s Aglianico is clone VCR02 aka FPS03 on rootstock 3309 originating in the Campania region of Italy.

AGLIANICO – “AH-LYAH-NEE-KOE”

Aglianico is a black grape grown in the Campania and Basilicata regions of Italy. The vine originated in Greece and was brought to Campania by Greek settlers. The name may be a corruption of Vitis hellenica, Latin for “Greek vine”. Another etymology derives the name Aglianico from a corruption of Apulianicum, the Latin adjective which indicates the whole of southern Italy in the Roman age. In early Roman times, it was the principal grape of the famous Falernian wine which was the Roman equivalent of a First Growth wine today.

Wines produced from Aglianico tend to be full bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, making this a wine that has aging potential. The rich flavors of the wine make it appropriate for matching with rich meats such as lamb. In Campania, the grape has been blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the production of some Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines.

Cougar’s Malvasia Bianca is clone FPS03 on rootstock 110R.

MALVASIA BIANCA – “MAL-VA-ZEE-AH BEE-AHN-KAH”

Malvasia Bianca runs the gamut from lightweight to full-flavored, dry to sweet, low to high alcohol. It is sometimes made as a sparkling wine.

A member of an ancient, highly esteemed Greek family of grapes vinified in a myriad of styles throughout Italy. Malvasia Bianca is one of the most widely planted, light-colored grape varieties in Italy and the world. On the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, it makes rare, rich and wonderfully aromatic passito wines.

Whether sweet or dry, Malvasia Bianca offers delightful aromas and flavors of honey and ripe Bosc pears with hints of allspice. Round, lushly fruity flavors and a plush texture lead to a finish that is determined by the degree of residual sugar and the cellar treatment. The lightest versions offer a clean, crisp finish, while those aged in small barrels may display light tannins and a hint of vanilla. Sweeter, more opulent versions linger on the palate.

Fast facts: over 276,000 vineyard acres. Key white grape varietals are: Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia (Ansonica), Malvasia, Zibibbo, Chardonnay, Savignon, Muller-Thurgau, and Carricante.. Key red grape varietals are: Frappato, Nerello Mascalese, Nero D’Avola (Calabrese), Nerello Cappuccio, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Currently Cougar does not have any vines from this region in the vineyard.

Fast facts: over 34,000 vineyard acres, 87/13 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Greco, Montonico, Trebbiano Toscono, Malvasia Bianca and Chardonnary.  Key red grape varietals are: Aglianico, Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Cappuccio.

Currently Cougar does not have any vines from this region in the vineyard.

Fast facts: over 72,000 vineyard acres, 64/36 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Falanghina, Fiano, Greco, and Coda di Volpe. Key red grape varietals are: Aglianico, and Piedirosso.

Cougar’s Aglianico is clone VCR02 aka FPS03 on rootstock 3309 originating in the Campania region of Italy.

AGLIANICO – “AH-LYAH-NEE-KOE”

Aglianico is a black grape grown in the Campania and Basilicata regions of Italy. The vine originated in Greece and was brought to Campania by Greek settlers. The name may be a corruption of Vitis hellenica, Latin for “Greek vine”. Another etymology derives the name Aglianico from a corruption of Apulianicum, the Latin adjective which indicates the whole of southern Italy in the Roman age. In early Roman times, it was the principal grape of the famous Falernian wine which was the Roman equivalent of a First Growth wine today.

Wines produced from Aglianico tend to be full bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, making this a wine that has aging potential. The rich flavors of the wine make it appropriate for matching with rich meats such as lamb. In Campania, the grape has been blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the production of some Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines.

Cougar’s Falanghina is clone UC Davis FPS Falanghina 01 and rootstock Biotype is Beneventana from the Sannio area.  Cougar is one of the few commercial wine growers of this grape in the United States.  Cougar got this grape recognized by the TTB in the United States.

FALANGHINA – “fah-lawn-GHEE-nah”

Origin: is a take on an ancient grape from Campania, Italy. There are various theories on the origin of the varietal’s name with the most agreeing that it derived from the Greek word falangos, which refers to the wood poles that support the grape vines. This system of vine training is still used in some parts of Campania and is referred to as “puteolano”. 

Description: Falanghina is a robust and consistent grape that has the advantage of being extremely eclectic, allowing it to express the characteristics of the terrior in the aroma including those of the soil, the climate and the rich biodiversity found in the Temecula region. Crisp Anjou & Asian pears show on the nose along with Gala apple & white flowers. Nice citrus flavors appear on the palate with lime pith & pink grapefruit. Matches well with scallops, prawns, or clams as well as pastas with white sauce.

Fast facts: over 64,000 vineyard acres, 60/40 red wine grapes vs. white. Key grape varietals are: Vermentino, Nuragus, Vernaccia, Moscato and Malvasia, Monica, and Cannonau (Cannonao), Carignano. Less key grape varitals are: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Cougar’s Vermentino is clone TCVS A on 1103P rootstock. This clone is from the island of Sardinia.

VERMENTINO – “VER-MEHN-TEE-NOH”

Vermentino wines are a pale straw color and relatively low in alcohol, with crisp acids, citrus-leaf aromatics, and pronounced minerality. In the mouth, Vermentino shows flavors of green apple and lime, heightened by refreshing acidity, good richness and medium body. The wine’s crispness makes it a delicious accompaniment to fresh seafood, oysters on the half shell, or grilled Mediterranean vegetables.

Vermentino is commonly thought to be Spanish in origin. Although it is currently grown in several countries around the Mediterranean, its best known examples come from northern Italy (particularly in the region of Liguria) and the island of Sardinia, where the wines are crisp, citrusy and generally unoaked. It is also the most widely planted white grape on the island of Corsica, where high altitude and hot climate vineyards produce more full-bodied wines with heady floral aromas.

Fast facts: over 72,000 vineyard acres, 16/84 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay.  Key red grape varietals are: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cesanese, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Montepulciano.

Cougar’s Sangiovese is of two clones. VCR23 aka FPS10 on rootstock 3309 and also the Brunello VCR06 aka FPS07 on rootstock 3309.

SANGIOVESE – “SANH-JO-VEY-ZAY”

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, “the blood of Jove”. It is most famous as the main component of the Chianti blend in Tuscany, as well as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Morellino di Scansano, although it can also be used to make varietal wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino or Sangiovese di Romagna, as well as modern “Super Tuscan” wines like Tignanello. Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry, flavors when aged in barrels. Sangiovese appears to have originated in Tuscany, where it was known by the 16th century.

Cougar’s Montepulciano is clone FPS02 on rootstock 110R.

MONTEPULCIANO – “MAWN-TEH-POOL-CHAH-NAW”

Montepulciano is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy’s 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled “Riserva.”

The Montepulciano grape is found in numerous regions around Southern Italy and most famously in the town of Abruzzo. The grape is confused with Sangiovese when used for making Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. While increasingly enjoyed as a non- blended varietal, Montepulciano is most classically crafted into two style of wines, Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. Both are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese with Piceno typically having a mixture of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Montepulciano whilte Conero is typically a blend of 15% Sangiovese and 85% Montepulciano.

Cougar’s Malvasia Bianca is clone FPS03 on rootstock 110R.

MALVASIA BIANCA – “MAL-VA-ZEE-AH BEE-AHN-KAH”

Malvasia Bianca runs the gamut from lightweight to full-flavored, dry to sweet, low to high alcohol. It is sometimes made as a sparkling wine.

A member of an ancient, highly esteemed Greek family of grapes vinified in a myriad of styles throughout Italy. Malvasia Bianca is one of the most widely planted, light-colored grape varieties in Italy and the world. On the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, it makes rare, rich and wonderfully aromatic passito wines.

Whether sweet or dry, Malvasia Bianca offers delightful aromas and flavors of honey and ripe Bosc pears with hints of allspice. Round, lushly fruity flavors and a plush texture lead to a finish that is determined by the degree of residual sugar and the cellar treatment. The lightest versions offer a clean, crisp finish, while those aged in small barrels may display light tannins and a hint of vanilla. Sweeter, more opulent versions linger on the palate.

Fast facts: over 36,000 vineyard acres, 42/58 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano, Grechetto, Verdello and Chardonnay.  Key red grape varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Canaiolo, Gamay, Sagrantino, and Sangiovese.

SAGRANTINO – “SA-GRAHN-TEE-NOH”

Sagrantino is an Italian grape variety that is indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy.

Origin: Sagrantino is grown primarily in the village of Montefalco and its surrounding areas, with only 250 acres (1.0 km2) dedicated to the grape in the hands of about 25 producers. With such small production, the wine is not widely known outside of Italy, even though it was granted DOCG status in 1991. The grape is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, and creates wines that are inky purple with an almost-black center.

Description: The bouquet is one of dark, brooding red fruits with hints of plum, cinnamon, and earth. The Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG requires 100 percent Sagrantino used, with a required 29 months aging before release. A passito is still made, a thick, syrupy wine with raisin and blueberry qualities. The alcohol content is around 14 percent

Cougar’s Ciliegiolo is an unknown clone and rootstock 3309P.  We hope to find this information out shortly.  Cilie, the winery dog, is named after this grape.  Cougar got this grape recognized by the TTB in the United States.

CILIEGIOLO – “chee-lee’eh-JOH-loh”

Fast facts: over 59,000 vineyard acres, 70/30 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Malvasia, Grechetto and Sauvignon Blanc. Key red grape varietals are: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Alicante (Grenache) and Ciliegiolo.

Cougar’s Sangiovese is of two clones. VCR23 aka FPS10 on rootstock 3309 and also the Brunello VCR06 aka FPS07 on rootstock 3309.

SANGIOVESE – “SANH-JO-VEY-ZAY”

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, “the blood of Jove”. It is most famous as the main component of the Chianti blend in Tuscany, as well as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Morellino di Scansano, although it can also be used to make varietal wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino or Sangiovese di Romagna, as well as modern “Super Tuscan” wines like Tignanello. Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry, flavors when aged in barrels. Sangiovese appears to have originated in Tuscany, where it was known by the 16th century.

Cougar’s Montepulciano is clone FPS02 on rootstock 110R.

MONTEPULCIANO – “MAWN-TEH-POOL-CHAH-NAW”

Montepulciano is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy’s 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled “Riserva.”

The Montepulciano grape is found in numerous regions around Southern Italy and most famously in the town of Abruzzo. The grape is confused with Sangiovese when used for making Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. While increasingly enjoyed as a non- blended varietal, Montepulciano is most classically crafted into two style of wines, Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. Both are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese with Piceno typically having a mixture of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Montepulciano whilte Conero is typically a blend of 15% Sangiovese and 85% Montepulciano.

Cougar’s Malvasia Bianca is clone FPS03 on rootstock 110R.

MALVASIA BIANCA – “MAL-VA-ZEE-AH BEE-AHN-KAH”

Malvasia Bianca runs the gamut from lightweight to full-flavored, dry to sweet, low to high alcohol. It is sometimes made as a sparkling wine.

A member of an ancient, highly esteemed Greek family of grapes vinified in a myriad of styles throughout Italy. Malvasia Bianca is one of the most widely planted, light-colored grape varieties in Italy and the world. On the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, it makes rare, rich and wonderfully aromatic passito wines.

Whether sweet or dry, Malvasia Bianca offers delightful aromas and flavors of honey and ripe Bosc pears with hints of allspice. Round, lushly fruity flavors and a plush texture lead to a finish that is determined by the degree of residual sugar and the cellar treatment. The lightest versions offer a clean, crisp finish, while those aged in small barrels may display light tannins and a hint of vanilla. Sweeter, more opulent versions linger on the palate.

Cougar’s Ciliegiolo is an unknown clone and rootstock 3309P.  We hope to find this information out shortly.  Cilie, the winery dog, is named after this grape.  Cougar got this grape recognized by the TTB in the United States.

CILIEGIOLO – “chee-lee’eh-JOH-loh”

Fast facts: over 6,000 vineyard acres, 35/65 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Bosco, Pigato and Vermentino.  Key red grape varietals are: Ormeasco, Rossese, Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo.

Cougar’s Sangiovese is of two clones. VCR23 aka FPS10 on rootstock 3309 and also the Brunello VCR06 aka FPS07 on rootstock 3309.

SANGIOVESE – “SANH-JO-VEY-ZAY”

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, “the blood of Jove”. It is most famous as the main component of the Chianti blend in Tuscany, as well as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Morellino di Scansano, although it can also be used to make varietal wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino or Sangiovese di Romagna, as well as modern “Super Tuscan” wines like Tignanello. Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry, flavors when aged in barrels. Sangiovese appears to have originated in Tuscany, where it was known by the 16th century.

Cougar’s Ciliegiolo is an unknown clone and rootstock 3309P.  We hope to find this information out shortly.  Cilie, the winery dog, is named after this grape.  Cougar got this grape recognized by the TTB in the United States.

CILIEGIOLO – “chee-lee’eh-JOH-loh”

Fast facts: over 130,000 vineyard acres, 68/32 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Arneis, Cortese, Erbaluce, Moscato, and Chardonnay. Key red grape varietals are: Barbera, Brachetto, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Freisa, Ruche, and Grignolino.

Cougar’s Arneis is clone FPS02 aka VCR02 on rootstock 110R.

ARNEIS – “ARE-NAYS”

Arneis is a light-to-medium-bodied white.

An ancient variety grown near Alba in Piemonte (northwest Italy). Recently saved from extinction by a few notable Barolo (Nebbiolo) producers. Arneis is sometimes referred to as Barolo Bianco although never labeled as such. Difficult to grow, “Arneis” in the regional dialect means “little rascal.”

Delicate aromas and flavors of pears, with a hint of almonds. The grape seems to possess more acidity in California than in Italy, yielding a crisper wine with a more lingering finish.

Cougar’s Lambrusca di Alessandria is on rootstock 110R. Cougar is one of the few commercial wine growers of this grape in the United States.  Cougar got this grape recognized by the TTB in the United States.

LAMBRUSCA DI ALESSANDRIA

Lambrusca di Alessandria is a rare red grape varietal.

Lambrusca di Alessandria is not related to Lambrusco despite a similar name. This grape comes from the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo and Torinois. Typically the wine is blended with Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa and Bonarda. Some producers have been known to make a wonderful rosso wine from the grape. The grape has been around for centuries and may be the grape named “Porcina” in the writings of Petrus de Crescentiis.

Big, bold, inky and flavorful wines have been produced from the grapes we have purchased from Guadulupe Valley Baja Mexico. We expect the same from our estate Lambrusca di Alessandria.

Cougar’s Brachetto clone is on rootstock 110R. To our knowledge Cougar is the only commercial wine grower of this grape in the United States.  Cougar got this grape recognized by the TTB in the United States.

BRACHETTO – “BRAH-KE-TOE”

Brachetto is a red Italian wine grape variety grown predominately in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. At one time the grape was thought to be related to the French wine grape Braquet, but recent thought among ampelographers is that the two are distinct varieties. In Italy’s region of Piedmont the grape is somewhat more widespread: production mostly falling within an area of the provinces of Asti and Alessandria between the rivers Bormida and Belbo plus various parts of the province of Cuneo. At Canelli, on the border between the hills of Asti and the Lange proper, the grape is known as Borgogna. The most notable wine here is the red Brachetto Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) which is made in both still and spumante (fully sparkling) versions.

The Piemonte Brachetto Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), also a red wine, is made with a minimum of 85% Brachetto; it is usually still, but may be frizzante (lightly sparkling). The grape is also used for up to 10% of the blend for the Ruché-based Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato DOC.

Fast facts: over 1,300 vineyard acres, 88/12 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Blanc de Morgex (Prie Blanc), Muscat/Moscato, Petite Arvine, Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris/Grigio. Key red grape varietals are: Petit Rouge, Picotendro, Premetta, Fumin, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Syrah.

Currently Cougar does not have any vines from this region in the vineyard.

Fast facts: over 55,000 vineyard acres, 62/39 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano di Lugana, Garganega, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Renano, Riesling Italico and Chardonnay.  Key red grape varietals are: Barbera, Bonarda, Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo), Lambrusco, Pinot Noir and Uva Rara.

Cougar’s Pinot Grigio is clone VCR05 on rootstock 3309C.

PINOT GRIGIO – “PEE-KNOW-GREE-GEE-OH”

Pinot Grigio is a light, very crisp, dry white.

Origin: A mutation of Pinot Noir, which it resembles in the field, Pinot Grigio is the Italian white wine most recognized by American wine consumers. It is most prominent in Alto-Adige, Veneto and especially Friuli, where the finest examples are made in the Collio area. Italians pick the fruit early as it has a tendency to drop acidity when it ripens fully.

Description: Pale, straw-yellow or very light copper in color with a bright and flowery fragrance. Firm acidity gives Pinot Grigio a mouth watering appeal. Generally offers nice mid-palate balance with a short, clean finish.