Producer Article
Schug
Last edited on 4/9/2010 by The Drunken Cyclist
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Carneros winery founded in 1980 by Walter and Gertrud Schug. The winery is located on 50 acres planted in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which is the winery focus. As of 2008, the winery also had releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and a sparkling wine. These other varietals are purchased under long term contract from growers. Walter Schug began his training at Geisenheim, a German wine institute. In the early 1960's the Schugs moved to California from Germany where Walter went to work for Joseph Phelps. The legendary Phelp's Insignia wines of the 1970's were crafted by Schug. Part of the reason he left Phelps was to produce Pinot Noir. Stylistically, Schug wines tend to be produced in the "European" style with lower alcohol levels and more balance than has been typical for California wines lately. European wine sales account for about 30% of Schug's production. In addition to Walter Schug, the other winemaker is Michael Cox who joined the winery in 1995.
Carneros winery founded in 1980 by Walter and Gertrud Schug. The winery is located on 50 acres planted in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which is the winery focus. As of 2008, the winery also had releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and a sparkling wine. These other varietals are purchased under long term contract from growers. Walter Schug began his training at Geisenheim, a German wine institute. In the early 1960's the Schugs moved to California from Germany where Walter went to work for Joseph Phelps. The legendary Phelp's Insignia wines of the 1970's were crafted by Schug. Part of the reason he left Phelps was to produce Pinot Noir. Stylistically, Schug wines tend to be produced in the "European" style with lower alcohol levels and more balance than has been typical for California wines lately. European wine sales account for about 30% of Schug's production. In addition to Walter Schug, the other winemaker is Michael Cox who joined the winery in 1995.