by Fred McMillin
for March 29, 1999

Field Stone's Heavenly White

Prologue

"Religion was a strong force behind the spread of wine-making. Monks tended vineyards and ran some of the best in Europe, where wine was part of every meal. It was a gesture of friendliness and hospitality...for the rich and the poor alike.

..." Old quote from a winemaker for the pious German-American Amana community, founded 1854.

"Throughout history good wine has played its role in the mystery of table communion at home and at worship... In such genuine communion we and the world are made better."

...The Rev. John Staten, Vintner and The Rev. Roger Hull, Director of Sales, Field Stone Winery, founded 1977.

The Rest of the Story

Hence, Heavenly White was produced by Field Stone, for that "gesture of friendliness and hospitality" that wine has provided for centuries. Here are the details:

Name—Convivio Heavenly White ("Convivio" is derived from the Italian word for "banquet," connoting the bonds that form when we share food and wine at the table.)
The Winery—Field Stone Winery, Healdsburg, CA.
Composition—70% Russian River Gewurztraminer, 30% Dry Creek Valley Chenin Blanc.
Non-profit Clinic—A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Heavenly White is donated to the Alliance Medical Center serving farmworker families in central Sonoma County.
Uses—Keep a bottle cold in the frig to pour when company drops in. Mine was good with a variety of cheese sticks. Good with Mexican mole at mealtime.
Price—$8 range.
Contact—Dr. Roger Hull, 1-800-54-GRAPE

Postscript

The wine is new, but the varieties used are among the oldest. The Traminer is said to have been brought back to Rome when its legions found the wine in northern Italy. The Chenin Blanc evolved from vines St. Martin found on Mt. Chenin on the Loire River around 350 A.D.

Reference: Religions and Wine, A Cultural History of Wine Drinking in the United States by Professor Robert C. Fuller, Religious Studies, Bradley University.

Note: There's also a red Convivio. See the April 22, 1998 WineDay titled "It Took Twenty Years."

About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

Copyright © 1999—the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.