The Wine Spectator recently profiled an update on the Arizona wine industry with enthusiasm.  The on line article, dated January 23^rd, described the industry as small but emerging with 44 wineries in operation producing nearly 50,000 cases of wine annually.  As many of you know, the Rhone grape varieties are fueling most of the wines with grapes such as Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedre in the reds and Viogier, Marsanne and Roussanne in the whites.  Some producers are also experimenting with Mediterranean grapes from Italy.  Producers profiled in the article include Caduceus, Page Spring Cellars, Pillsbury, Rancho Rossa, Arizona Stronghold, and Dos Cabezas.  With 2009 having been a great growing year, I would expect that you will see some new names on this list later this year and next.

Tags: Arizona Stronghold, Arizona wine, Caduceus, dos cabezas, Page Springs Cellars, Pillsbury