As the weather warms, and the nights get longer, sharing a story over a glass of wine becomes second nature—but what about a wine that tells its own story?
Copper Cane Wines & Spirits’ latest collection, Westhoff Pioneers Collection, features a pairing of three red wines crafted by fifth-generation winemaker Joe Wagner. Inspired by Wagner’s family history, the three red blends, FRA, ITA, and USA, a nod to both his current home and the regions from which his family emigrated.
“Westhoff Pioneers honors the blending of cultures that define American wine today,” a press release says. “Each blend reflects a chapter of that journey, paying tribute to generations of winemakers whose pioneering spirit laid the foundation for California crafted wine.”
Wagner’s family brings almost two centuries of grape growing and winemaking experience, passing down knowledge like an heirloom, generation to generation. The bottles, which depict the colors of the French, Italian, and American Flag, serve as a roadmap to Wagner’s own family history, served by the glass.
Ranging from $45 to $50, the red wines are made from grapes grown in California’s coastal regions, with each blend offering a unique mix of flavors.
The Westhoff Pioneers “FRA” is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, an ode to similar blends found in France’s Rhône Valley, with hints of rhubarb, cherries, boysenberries, rosemary, and herbes de Provence. The sensibilities of the Rhône blend are then transformed by the West Coast’s sunshine, bringing a unique wine that pairs well with roasted lamb or steak and chimichurri.
Grown in the Santa Barbara County, The Westhoff Pioneers “ITA” blends Sagrantino, Teroldego, Nero D’Avola, and Negro Amaro. Echoing the structure and vibrancy of Southern Italian red wines, the blend features notes of plum, cocoa nibs, luxardo cherries, cassis, dried herbs, and blackberries. Experts suggest pairings like seared duck or grilled chicken, as well as roasted mushrooms or pasta bolognese.
Lastly, The Westhoff Pioneers “USA” serves as the end of the historic journey and the birthplace of the collection. Tasting like a mix of dried cranberries, boysenberries, baking spices, cherries, cassis, and wild raspberries, the blend is made up of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. A nod to California, the wine has roots in Sonoma, coming together as a result of the region’s cold nights, warm days, and older vines. When looking to pair, the winemaker suggests tri-tip, blue cheeseburger or grilled pork chop and potatoes.
