TOQUADE

A French madness in Napa Valley

Toquade is a wine created in 2006 by Christine Barbe. She began in 1991 with studies in biochemistry. After her graduation she sought a graduate degree in the region where she was born: Bordeaux. Two paths were open then for her: the food agriculture or winemaking (oenology).

Well, she happened to go on “Oenology”.  As part of her studies and her thesis on “Enzyme maceration” she worked for one of the most famous winemakers in Bordeaux: Denis Dubourdieu. It was during this experience that her passion for wine and more specifically for Sauvignon Blanc was born.

TOQUADE, the fruit of a dream

Alongside her work for Coquerel Family Winery, this dynamic winemaker left in search of the perfect terroir for growing Sauvignon Blanc.

In 2005, after an extensive search she found a plot that matched her expectations. She found land with a good exposure protecting the vines from heatstroke, but also from the coolness of the nights in Napa valley. A parcel on which the sauvignon blanc could have it’s “feet in the water, head in the sun and enjoy the influences of a small river nearby.”

So in 2006, after her project reached maturity, and after her rich experiences in Bordeaux (Château La Louviere, Château Carbonnieux) and California (including Gallo and Robert Mondavi) Christine realized her dream through creating her first vintage Toquade.

Where does the name and logo of Toquade come from?

Regarding the logo, Christine wanted graphics that could recall the ellipse formed by the wine at the time of pouring. Accompanied by a designer friend they took a white sheet and attempted to draw an ellipse and so the current logo was born.

Regarding the name “Toquade” it finds its origin in the idea of the process of making wine. In fact, the idea of a French woman recently landed in Napa Valley to make a completely atypical Sauvignon Blanc for this region (in the sense that during the tasting we would think it came from New Zealand or from Pessac-Leognan). Moreover with little money and work in parallel … You must admit that this is madness! But what a delightful madness!

What is recognizable about Toquade wines in a blind tasting ?  What is your signature style ?

« Toquade is a Californian Sauvignon Blanc with a French taste. Toquade comes from single vineyard in Yountville Napa Valley with an ideal microclimate to grow Sauvignon blanc. The land near the Napa River provides an especially excellent terroir to showcase the distinct flavor of Sauvignon blanc. Toquade is harvested earlier than others Sauvignon blanc in Napa Valley which gives its a nice crisp pallet. The wine is produced with a complete oxygen protection from the vineyard to the bottle to maintain the flavor inherent of Sauvignon blanc (guava, grape fruit). »

How would you describe your passion for wine in a few words ?

« My passion is my creative journey. It is my art. »

Side project:

Christine Barde will, within a few years, produce a red wine from Petit Syrah … It is just an opportunity to find a good location… and also time for this passionate multitasking. In the long term the “dream” is to increase her production at the same quality level.

Side anecdote: Wild wine and music pairing….

Thanks to Christine´s husband you will be able to enjoy a good glass of wine while listening to music specially composed for this moment of complete pleasure and relaxation. This song is available on the Toquade website.

The pairing of wine and music is something that we see more and more frequently, but what is unique here is that it comes from the property.

Thanks to Christine Barde for the hospitality

Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche

TOQUADE
PO Box 184
Rutherford CA 94573
(707) 738.7779
Website