Madroña Vineyards

Madroña

P.O. Box 454, Camino, CA 95709
www.MadronaVineyards.com

Region: El Dorado, Sierra Foothills

Owners: Maggie and Paul Bush

Winemaker: Paul Bush

About: Madroña is a family-owned and operated winery started in 1973. Located in the cooler foothills of the Sierra Nevada (El Dorado), our family pioneered high-elevation grape growing and wine production in California. With 70 acres of naturally farmed grapes (no herbicides, all organic products), sustainability is a driving force for our winery. Our wines are a reflection of the unique volcanic soils and cool climate of our vineyards, with my winemaking style being more hands-off than hands-on. After 50 years, we’ve learned that our vineyards produce structured and varietally focused wines with good natural acidity, meant to be enjoyed at table with friends and family.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? I would say Nebbiolo. Nebbiolo is so totally unlike any other variety in the world, both in the vineyard and in the winery, that it surprises me every vintage. It’s light in color, heavy in structure, bold in the palate yet very elegant in its characters. It’s an enigma in the winery that is best left alone to mature and express itself on its own. Nebbiolo is truly unique!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? To be honest, I grew up in a family that produced grapes and made wines that were suited for our elevation (3,000 feet). I didn’t consider that some varieties are more well-known or less known. They were just Riesling and Gewurztraminer or Nebbiolo and Malbec. And since we sell most of our wines through our tasting room, each individual variety has individual consumers who love it.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I love the surprised look on a winetaster’s face when they taste something new and exciting. It’s like a whole new world has just opened up, which then opens up an interest in trying even more unusual and exquisite varieties.