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w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m N o v - D e c 2 014 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 8 1 Outer Coastal Plain produce some mix of Bordeaux varieties, as well. C o e u r d ' E s t f o r m a l i z e s a n d enhances what producers have b e e n d o i n g w i t h c h a m b o u r c i n for years, Pavlis added, enhanc- ing it with vinifera. With naturally low tannins, chambourcin shows improved structure with just 10% addition of a Bordeaux variety. The Coeur d'Est blends expand vinif- era's role and elevate the wine (it's hoped) to a quality were it can stand alongside the producers' Bordeaux-style blends. CORO COROLLARY On the West Coast, Mendocino County wine producers did some- thing similar more than a decade ago with Coro, a zinfandel-dominat- ed blend. Participating producers wanted a flagship wine category that didn't seem like an attempt to replicate what was happening in us and that our fruit can produce wines worthy of those prices." From the Latin word for "cho- rus," Coro stimulated new col- laboration among winemakers who encouraged each other and shared their knowledge and experiences in building their blends, which must be 40%-70% zinfandel. In the Outer Coastal Plain of New Jersey, winemakers hope Coeur d'Est does the same, creat- ing a new standard for red blends that defies comparison and gets attention. David Falchek is a regular con- tributor to trade publications such as Vineyard & Winery Manage- ment and Beverage Media. He also writes a regular consumer wine column for The Scranton Times-Tri- bune in Scranton, Pa. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. Sonoma or Napa. Coro remains in limited production and for most par- ticipants, it's a hand sell in the tast- ing room or through case clubs. Julie Golden of Golden Vine- yards, one of 21 members of the Coro Consortium, said Coro built the confidence of the upstart region toiling in the shadows of other appellations. Coro empowered members to produce an ultra-pre- mium wine that offered wine drink- ers something unique and special. Coro production is clearly defined with requirements on aging, wine chemistry parameters, barrel and bottle aging, and production limits. The wine must pass a winemaker review panel, and producers share a common Coro label and packag- ing. Most are priced between $40 and $60 a bottle. "It's hard for people to break out of the pricing they are used to," Golden said. "We had to show that certain price-points don't scare Wi n e ' s Fi r s t P e r f e c t C l o s u r e Choose VinPerfect Screwcaps for your next bo ling and experience the difference with our oxy-regula ng closures: "Just a li le bit of oxygen makes a BIG difference." -Tim Keller, CEO •Develop Enhanced Aroma cs •Avoid Reduc on •Control In-Bo le Tannin Matura on •Precise Post-Bo ling Oxygen Control •100% Recyclable, Chlorine & TCA Free p 707.252.2155 f 707.252.2166 vinperfect.com 831 Latour Court, Suite B1 Napa, CA 94558 WINE'S FIRST PERFECT CLOSURE facebook.com/vinperfect Over 16 stock colors in inventory. Cap-top laser engraving with quick turnaround. Complete customiza on available. Call or request a quote online. www.vinperfect.com/order.