Arizona Stronghold:

Named for the Cochise Stronghold in southeastern Arizona, a rock formation at over 4,000 feet in elevation near Willcox, Arizona where our Bonita Springs Vineyard resides. Cochise Stronghold was the winter home of Chief Cochise and the Chiricahua Apache. The area was termed a “stronghold” as Cochise led his people to the safety of this beautiful mountain fortress during the defense of their homeland from 1852 – 1872.

Tazi: Tazi is our aromatic white blend made mostly from Malvasia Bianca. Named for Tazi (1843-1876) (also known as Taza and Tazhe) who was the eldest son of Cochise and the leader of the Chiricahua Apache. His wife was the daughter of Mangus Coloradas, who was the leader of the Copper Mines and last leader of the Mimbreños. Tazi was the oldest brother of Naiche and succeeded his father as chief when Cochise died in 1874. He fell ill while in Washington D.C of pneumonia and died in 1876 while part of a delegation of Apaches taken there for a visit. He is buried in the Congressional Cemetery in D.C. It is unknown if Tazi was ever photographed.

“Dala”: Chardonnay/Cabernet Sauvignon: “Dala” is the Apache word for “singular” or “one”. At Arizona Stronghold, we use the word “Dala” to imply that a wine is a single varietal and not a blend. If the wine is a blend, it has a different name; if it is not a blend it is “Dala” and whatever the varietal is. (We also offer a Dala Merlot but it is not in your portfolio.)

Mangus: Mangus is our Arizona “Tuscan blend”. Always about equal parts of Sangio, Cab, and Merlot. Mangus is my go-to wine if I am not familiar with the drinker’s pallet. Often, we have people in our tasting room looking to buy a botte for a friend back home and I always describe it as very user friendly. Mangus (1793-1863) is named for Mangus Coloradas, father in law of Cochise and was known as a peacemaker. Mangus is regarded by historians to be one of the most important Native American leaders of the 19th century due to his fighting achievements against the Mexicans and Americans. Although a war leader, Mangus was known for his many attempts at peace with the American army. In 1863, Mangus met in southwestern New Mexico with American Army General Joseph Rodman West under a flag of truce but armed soldiers took him into custody and tortured, shot and killed him, and he was later decapitated. This enraged the Apaches who believed Mangus could not enter the afterlife without his head and led to a nine-year campaign of reprisal in Arizona and Sonora from Cochise.

Nachise: Nachise is our Arizona “Rhone blend”. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and a little Petite Sirah. Nachise is our darkest blend sold through distribution. I describe it as a little heavier and a little more aggressive. Named for Naiche (1857-1919), youngest son of Cochise, great warrior, and the final hereditary chief of the Chiricahua Apache. Naiche was also known to be a bit more aggressive as well, although also known for his sense of humor and artistic abilities. His name means “meddlesome one” or “mischief maker” and led numerous raids against white settlers. Naiche ultimately joined with Geronimo, attacking both the American and Mexican communities. While Naiche was the hereditary chief of the Chiricahua Apache, Geronimo was viewed as the great leader and Naiche followed him during these campaigns.