Boise Coop Wine Shop

Snake River Winery

• June 2, 2010

On the slope of a valley carved by the majestic Snake River, sits the Snake River Winery’s Arena Valley Vineyard. Southwestern Idaho’s ancient riverbeds provide the unique cobbled soil that allows a diverse range of grape varietals. This combined with the vineyards elevation and consistent hot, dry summers gives the climate of old-world wine growing regions such as the Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre), the Douro Valley (Tempranillo, Touriga), Austria (Blauer Zweigelt), and Northern Italy (Barbera). The sand and river rock naturally restrict the vines’ growth producing small grapes with intense and concentrated flavors. Inspired by a passion for traditional wine making and viticulture, quality over quantity is always emphasized on their 75 acres.
Everything in the vineyard is done by hand and hroughout the growing season they are in the vineyard, caring for the plants by removing over abundant fruit, opening up the canopies to sunlight, and trimming excess growth. These techniques help ensure consistent quality. They also employ sustainable and organic vineyard management practices including composting pomace for fertilizer, eliminating harmful pesticides, using organic fungicide with a goal of achieving biodynamic certification. From vine to barrel to bottle the wine never leaves our estate ensuring our hands are the only hands that craft your wine.

2008 Unoaked Chardonnay, $10.99
Chardonnay without oak barrel aging expresses the true character of the fruit. This wine has a soft, lean texture with flavors and aromas of lychee fruit and pear. A soft but refreshing acidity nicely balances the fruit and makes it ideal with most lighter foods, salads and appetizers.
2007 Grenache, $19.99
This elegant European grape is nurtured beautifully in the rocky Snake River Valley soil. Brilliant red and pink hues give you an idea of what to expect from this delicate and alluring wine. Slightly spicy with silky soft tannins and subtle cherry fruits this 100% Grenache with its lingering finish leaves you wanting more.
2006 Barbera, $16.49
The 2006 Barbera was aged in new and one year old barrels for twelve months giving it ample body and a hint of spice. This wine starts with plum and cherry aromas and finishes with a crisp fresh bing-cherry note. The higher natural acidity in this wine makes it perfect with tomato based dishes and sauces.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.99
Because of its heat generating, south facing hills and rocky soils, the Arena Valley Vineyard is ideally suited for Cabernet grapes which tend to ripen late in the season. Mint and eucalyptus aromas dominate with a hint of leather and plum with well integrated tannins.