Flora

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The appropriately named Flora, a cross of Gewürztraminer and Semillon, was developed by Dr. Harold Olmo, UC Davis’ legendary geneticist, as an aromatic varietal suitable for the hot growing conditions of California’s prolific Central Valley. The grape succeeded on the aromatic side of the equation, but has largely proven unsuccessful in warmer climes due to its inability to retain acidity in these conditions.

Ultimately failing to prove its worth as a suitable grape for the blended jug wine industry, Flora has demonstrated its potential as a varietal in the cooler conditions of New Zealand, where it is known to have produced some critically applauded and stylish wines in the 1970s. Unfortunately, Flora’s aromatic and full bodied wines seemed out of place with the popular market taste of the day. Failing to meet with widespread appeal Downunder, the variety was largely forgotten about until it resurfaced more than two decades later.

In the state where it originated, beginning in the early 70s, Read more »

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Popular Flora wines

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Popular Regions for Flora View all

  • California

    Viticulture in California began in the 1700s as Spanish missionaries worked their way north fro...

  • Sonoma County

      Wine-making in Sonoma, California began in 1812 when Russian colonists planted grapes at F...

  • Veneto

    The Veneto, located in the north-east of Italy, is a region that contributes a significant perc...

  • USA

    "American Wine" has existed since the first Europeans brought their vinous heritage and tradition...

  • Italy

    Wine in Italy is as much an integral part of everyday culture as love, family, cuisine and usin...

  • Napa

      There is some debate over how this famous wine region got its name. Spanish settlers named...

  • New Zealand

    The history of New Zealand wine-making dates back to the 1800s when settlers planted vines and ...

  • Tuscany

    To consider modern day Tuscan wine, one should give props to the Etruscans, who inhabited this ...

  • Bordeaux

    Located around the Gironde estuary and along the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, Bordeaux is one o...

Popular Wineries using Flora

  • Rex Goliath

    At age 70, I have had at least 50 yrs. of a glass of wine after my evening meals. Just recently,...

  • 3 Blind Moose

    Truth be told, the moose aren’t blind. They just think it’s cool to share good wine with friends,...

  • Glass Mountain

    It has been more than hundred years since California wine pioneer Jean Laurent quarried stone fro...

  • Livingston Cellars

    Since 1984 and 17 years, the de facto estate wine of Livingston Moffett winery has been bottled ...

  • Dark Horse Wine

    Named 2007 Winemaker of the Year by the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, winemaker Michael Loykasek ha...

  • CrauforD Wine Co.

    Crauford Wine Company was founded in 2000 by Marilyn Crawford Corley, whose family originated in ...

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Page 4 of 16

Flora on Snooth

  • Flora Springs Out of Sight 2006

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by hmiles619


  • Flora Springs Sauvignon Blanc Soliloquy 2008

    Snoothrank:

    Light and bright on the nose with green peppers over low ripe peach tones and a ... a slightly mineral base with floral top notes that recall clover. This has a slightly unusual nose for Sauvignon Blanc, showing restraint and a subtle, layered complexity. Very light and almost airy on entry with a salty, slatey thing going on right up front. On... Read More

    Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz


  • Flora Springs Sauvignon Blanc Soliloquy 2008

    Snoothrank:

    Solid wine ... full of flavor and great citrus flavors. When cool the acidity and citrus really showed. As it warmed up, the acidity softened and more layers of flavors show through. I think it could have aged a lot more. Read More

    Wine review by HondaJohn


  • Flora Springs Trilogy 2006

    Snoothrank:

    From Wine Enthusiast: 95 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A ... ... red blend that continues Flora Springs fine streak of Bordeaux-style wines. Full-bodied and dry, its balanced and rich, with complex flavors of currants, minerals, cedar and spice. The tannins are strong, but ultra-refined. Drink this high quality wine now and ... Read More

    Wine review by drquinn


  • Even though there is a decided chill in the air, I can't help but enjoy a glass ... from California so much!2008 Flora Springs Soliloquy Vineyard Oakville – Napa Valley 14.2%Light and bright on the nose with green peppers over low ripe peach tones and a slightly mineral base with floral top notes that recall clover. This has a slightly unusual ... Read More

    From the article Sauvignon Blanc Tasted October 2010


  • Flora Springs Wild Boar Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005

    Snoothrank:

    Delicious and outstanding. Smooth and velvety finish. Everything a great cab should be. Read More

    Wine review by bcucchi


  • What are the "must-have-wines" when you visit a wine bar?  Or just stuff you'd really like to see. This can become tricky with "by-the-glass" stuff, because I imagine people can become quite cautious with a glass of wine above the $12 figure. Any insights?? Read More

    Forum post in the topic What you'd like to see in...


  • Flora Springs Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2007

    Snoothrank:

    Toasty nose of tropical fruit. Nice body, rich. Flavors of peach, pear, ginger and some pineapple. Hints of toasted marshmallow on the finish.- Tasted at Marché Bacchus 6/19/10 Read More

    Wine review by VegasOenophile


  • My friend had lined up a special VIP tasting at Beringer's Rhine House, but we ... has arranged a tasting at Flora Springs' "The Room".  This is a great, modern facility pouring the Flora Springs catalogue in a hip, relaxed atmoshpere and we had a great tasting attendant who made our evening a real blast!  Some great wines to boot.  We had the... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Napa Trip- Day 3- 4/20/10


  • Flora Springs Out of Sight 2006

    Snoothrank:

    Charcoal smoke and wood dominate the nose of dried roses, earthy loam and ... ... early or decant.- Tasted at Flora Springs "The Room" 4/20/ Read More

    Wine review by VegasOenophile


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