Sedona, AZ- (April 8, 2010) - I have always been a fan of Gruet Sparkling wine from New Mexico, had read a little about Arizona wines and was certainly eager to try a few while vacationing in Sedona with my family for Spring Break 2010.

As my wife knows, when I see a wine shop, I need to check it out. We were in Tlaquepaque Village, a beautiful shopping and dining district in Sedona and I saw a sign for Wild West Wine Co.

Adele Olson, who works for the Wild West Wine Co., and who it turns out previously owned a restaurant in Chicago with her husband called Burgundy Bistro which I had sold wine to, was extremely helpful guiding me through a flight of very interesting Arizona wines which I was extremely impressed with and proceeded to purchase.

Wine has been produced in Arizona since the 18^th century when Spanish missionaries first introduced it. The modern era of wine making in the state dates back to 1973 in Sonoita at the southern end of the state. Today, there are now nearly 40 wineries throughout Arizona.

Like many people, I thought of Arizona as hot year round. How could they possibly grow grapes in such heat? That’s true for part of the state, but as you move north to the mountains, the climate becomes quite moderate. The summers can be hot for sure but during the crucial fall season, sunny days and cool nights are the rule allowing the Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedre (all Rhone varietals) to prosper. In fact, the state’s high desert climate is similar to Argentina’s famed Mendoza wine producing region, combining high altitude with hot daytime temperatures and cool nights.

Let’s not kid ourselves; this is not the place for delicate Pinot Noir. Hearty grapes can withstand the hot sun and the dramatic drop in temperature at night and thrive.  Tempranillo, Sangiovese also do well as does Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc for the whites.

In 2007, Eric Glomski of Page Springs Cellars and Maynard James Keenan, of Caduceus Cellars (and singer/songwriter for the band Tool) joined forces to start Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Subsequently, the two have been credited with launching Arizona into the fine wine scene. Both feel that the potential to make great wine in the southwest has always existed yet the talent and willingness to invest has only recently come to fruition.

After tasting their wines with Adele, I can confidentially tell you that Glomski and Keenan are on the right track. Although the wines are not inexpensive and may be difficult to find outside of Arizona, they are quite good and will always remind me of my first visit to the beautiful Red Rock area of Sedona.

• Page Springs Cellars “Vino Del Barrio” 2008 - a house blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, Petite Sirah - this wine is great with anything on the grill - Pork Tenderloin, Burgers etc… approx. $20
• Dos Cabezas “Red” 2007 - another house blend with great depth and deep fruit characters. Lots of spice and earth on the finish.
• Arizona Stronghold Vineyards “Tazi” 2008 - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Malvasia Blanc all contribute to this delicious white with great complexity, depth and acidity - my style all the way.

Interested in these wines? Check www.arizonawine.org.

Eric M. Platt is the Wine Director, Washington Wholesale- Pinnacle House, The Charmer Sunbelt Group Have a question for for him? E-mail Eric Platt eplatt10@verizon.net