Aridus Wine Company – A Delicious Discovery from Arizona

Just recently, I explored pure elegance in each sip of three wines I received as samples from the Aridus Wine Company. Located in Willcox, Arizona, a small desert town about three hours from Phoenix and Scottsdale, I was more than impressed. At some point between my first sip and the last, I began to understand why Arizona is on the radar as another viable setting for grape growing and for the production of distinctive, delectable wines. Thanks to the quality wines I tasted from the Aridus Wine Company, I look forward to enjoying more wine from its portfolio…and others from The Grand Canyon State, as well. Another wine discovery? You bet!

Aridus Wine Company founders Scott and Joan Dahmer chose the name “Aridus”, a Latin word indicating “dry” or “arid”, as an homage to this area in the historic American Southwest. Open since 2012, this family owned custom crush winery is one of the largest in the state. Winemaker Lisa Strid is crafting wines from estate vineyards, as well as from premium grapes sourced from growers in New Mexico, California, and Arizona, with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

 

But grape growing in the desert?

Hot days, cool nights, minerality of the soil. Our state’s motto has five Cs: Climate, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Copper. Why not add a 6^th? Cabernet! That said, southeastern Arizona has been compared to the same climate as Argentina with semi-arid desert-like climates, less than 13 inches of rain annually, an average temperature of 90 to 100-degree days, and cool nights in the mid-40s and 50s. Malbec grows extremely well here, as do all Spanish varieties. I believe Arizona is the next up and coming grape growing region which will produce unique, world-class, delicious wines. Proprietor Scott Dahmer

 

Since 2009, Aridus Wine Company has owned 40 acres of estate vineyards in Pearce, Arizona (about a 30-minute drive from Willcox) in the Willcox Appellation. Because this region is primarily agricultural, the Dahmers planned the property with a serious nod to irrigation. At 5200 feet elevation, the vineyards are divided by Turkey Creek, the largest water flow coming down from the Chiricahua Foothills. Although water from the creek is not used for irrigation at this time, there are hopes that in the future it will be; instead, two wells are utilized.

The “North Side” vineyards, planted in 2015, are of dark gray to reddish brown soil. The Dahmer’s pioneer spirit was tested just last year: the soil, rife with river rocks, had to be jackhammered and augured for holes large enough to insert the 1500 Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted in May 2017.  The “South Side” vineyards are planted in an east-west configuration to allow for strong winds to blow through the vines without damaging them. The soils in these vineyards are of rich, red loamy sand and river rock. Grapes “most likely to succeed on the estate vineyards” are Malvasia Bianca, Petite Sirah, and Malbec, yet more vines are being planted on both sites.

Extreme weather is the norm. Searing hot temperatures in the summer, wind, rain, and hail in July, and snow are typical. During harvest from July through September, monsoon rains lower the temperature and raise the humidity. At night during this time, the average temperature is 45 – 55 degrees.

 

I found the mesmerizing aromas and range of unique flavors in each sip of the following three wines notable in so many ways.

Aridus 2016 Malvasia Bianca ($36.75) – Sourced from fruit from the Mimbre Valley – New Mexico AVA, this wine of 100% Malvasia Bianca was as refreshing as it was a joyous complement to appetizers with friends. On the nose, I discovered bright and intense notes of honey, yellow flowers, pineapple, banana, and a dollop of minerality. Bursting with flavor on my palate were broad and balanced elements of juicy citrus and florals and mouthwatering acidity that led to a lingering finish. Aged in stainless steel for six months before filtration and bottling, serve this wine chilled for the perfect pour to pair with light appetizers, sautéed chicken, fish, vegetables, and seasonal summer fruit dishes.

Aridus 2016 Rosé ($29.40) – There’s nothing like a fresh Rosé in the glass any time of the year! This beautiful choice, consisting of 68% Mourvedre and 32% Grenache, was absolutely delicious and certainly not what I expected. I noted glorious tart aromas of dark red fruit, apricot, dried red flowers, and earth. Flavors of strawberries, raspberries, roses, vanilla, and touch of cloves were framed with lively acidity. Balanced with body and a persistent finish, this wine has 10g/L of sugar, but you’d never know it. Complement fresh grilled salmon, shrimp cocktail, fish tacos, or your favorite book while lounging poolside with this lovely Rosé.

Aridus 2015 Malbec ($36.75) – Proving that Argentina doesn’t corner the Malbec market, this wine from Aridus was incredible thanks to its unique profile. From 99% Malbec and 1% Petite Sirah grapes sourced from the Asmundson Family Vineyards in Cochise County, Arizona, I explored intense aromas of luscious red fruits including ripe raspberries and strawberries, blackberries, and exotic spice. On the palate, mouthwatering acidity and soft tannins enveloped flavors of butterscotch, red fruit, pepper, pomegranate, and vanilla. So fresh and bright, rich and broad, this Malbec was aged for 19 months in New French, New American, and neutral oak. Complement your choice of lean steak still sizzling from the grill with this distinctive wine.

Aridus 2014 Petite Sirah ($39.90) – Petite Sirah lovers will cherish each sip of this delectable wine. Fruit was sourced from Sandor Vineyards in Cochise County, Arizona. Intense aromas of dark black and purple fruit, tingly spice, vanilla, and just a whiff of mint were enticing. The palate? Vibrant acidity and elegant tannins surrounded rich flavors of oak, coffee, cassis, plums, and spice. Pair this alluring Petite Sirah with marinated pork tenderloin, roasted game meats, or a platter of strong cheeses and entice your palate to have yet another sip…

When you visit the Aridus Wine Company tasting room in Willcox or Scottsdale (click here for more information), be sure to have a glass or two of the wines just reviewed. You may also want to check out their new releases of Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sparkling Malvasia Bianca Pet Nat, and more. Elegance, quality, and down-right delicious are just a few words to describe the exceptional wines from my newest discovery.

Cheers! ~ Cindy