Exceptional vision.
Europa serves three styles of wine: Italian, Spanish, and French -- Vienza, Bolero, and C'est La Vie. By the end of 2018, the winery will have built three separate areas/tasting rooms for each style. They are also building a world class spa and hotel.
Europa has a story or quote to go with each wine. Those stories are on their tasting menu. The winemakers develop the tasting notes and create the story-like ambience as something extra to enjoy with their wines.
Interesting information: Montepulciano is a 100% varietal, part of the description of which includes nose of shellac wax. Last year was so hot, Europa almost lost their Petite Sirah. Young grapes are high in acidity.
Things I learned at this winery:
All 18 noble grapes are grown somewhere throughout the Temecula Valley.
Grapes typically need 25 inches of rain per year. The Temecula Valley receives an average of 16 inches per year. Irrigation makes up the balance.
Because of the exceptional rainfall this year, Europa will prune early buds, as too many buds will change the grapes’ sugar concentration.