Aromas are lightly tarry, with cinnamon and clove notes, spiced cherry and dried cranberry fruit, an interesting combination. In the mouth, the wine is delicate and elegant, with moderate to moderate plus acidity that references its cool-climate origin. Sour cherry over bark notes make for a fruit-savory combination. The wine is seamless with a silky texture. It is medium in body and length.

WINE INFORMATION

Sam Balakian and his wife Valerie started Tarrica in 2000, in the Paso Robles wine country. Sam was one of the first graduates in enology in California (Fresno State 1964, UC Davis 1966). For over 40 years, he worked in many different growing areas, vineyards, varieties, production levels, and styles of winemaking before starting his own project. “Tarrica” derives from the Balakian daughters’ first names, Taryn and Erica. The first wine was released in April 2003. The goal of Tarrica Wine Cellars is the make enjoyable, correct, reasonably priced wines, and they have succeeded.

Chicken/Turkey, Duck, Fish-full flavored (salmon/tuna), Ham, Mushrooms, Pork, Spicy Food, Sushi, Tapas, Tomato Sauce, Wild Game