Arthur Earl Wines were founded in 1996, 1st vintage in 1997. They produce about 2,500 cases a year, focusing on grape varietals native to Rhone Valley, N. Italy, aned Zinfandel. They are located in a very quaint and historic building on Grand Ave. in downtown Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County.
The tasting room is very spacious with two very large murals of vineyards painted on the back wall. The wine bar can easily accomodate 20 people or so. Natasha was pouring wine and she suggested the following:
2008 Malvasia Bianca - Santa Barbara County. Frity, off-dry wine native to Italy. Pair with spicy Thai, or India.
2006 A Genoux Silver Label - Central Coast. A cote du Rhone style bland. Grenache 20%, Counoise 30%, Cinsaut 20% Mourvedre 10%, Syrah 20%. Food friendy. I'm thinking fresh baked bread with cheeses.
2005 Nebbiolo - Santa Ynez Valley. Piedmont region of Italy. Pair with thin crust pizza.
2006 Barbera - Santa Ynez Valley. Plum, dark fruit, velvet. Pair with lamb, steak, red pasta dishes.
2006 Asevala Silver Label - Central Coast. A spanish Rioja style blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. Very big, intense, full-bodied. Pair with steak, red pasta dishes.
It was a quiet afternoon. Natasha and I talked about the current state of the California wines business, food pairings, life in general, and I had a very nice time.
I want to thank Natasha for her time and hospitality and I wish her all the best with her studies.
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