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April 2005
"Friends are like wine; if they are good, they improve with age", so the Italian Proverb goes. And you, being a good friend, are sure to improve with age as you drink Montemaggiore wine! Aside from imparting Italian wisdom, we wanted to share with you the exciting news from our "great mountain" (Montemaggiore) …
Superiore Release
The first vintage of our Cabernet-Syrah blend, 2002 Superiore, which was bottled in January, has been tasting wonderful -- so we've just released it! Composed of 75% Cabernet and 25% Syrah, this wine has the juicy berry aromas of Syrah underpinned by the structure and spiciness of the Cabernet Sauvignon. For those who like a round, full-bodied structure with cherry and blackberry flavors balanced with toasty oak and ripe tannins - this is the wine for you! We only produced 350 cases, and restaurants are starting to snap it up, so act quickly if you are interested. As usual, you can order online, or by fax or phone.
Has Robert improved with age?
The photo above introduces our newest wine lover of the month, Robert Azavedo from Hampshire, UK. As predicted by the Italian proverb, Robert has definitely improved with age. He also has a very cool spiral wine cellar under his house - think of a spiral staircase lined with wine racks. Of course, the staircase doesn't actually go anywhere, but with all that great wine, who really cares?! Learn more about Robert and his most memorable wine moments on our website.
Club Primo
So many people have asked about our "Wine Club", that we felt we had to create one. Originally we were thinking: we produce only two wines, so why would anyone want to join? Convenience, discounts, and fun, that's why! Club Primo includes discounts up to 20% and special event tickets. Check it out.
Genetics 101: Syrah's Paternity Test
According to the rumor, the Syrah grape originated from the city of Shiraz in ancient Persia, known for its high quality wine as early as 600B.C. The Romans supposedly brought vine cuttings when they established themselves at Vienne, in the northern Rhone Valley circa 120 B.C. Alas, like most rumors this one was proven false. Through DNA analysis in 2001, Carole Meredith of UC Davis and Jean-Michel Boursiquot of France established that Syrah is the offspring of two obscure French grapes, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche (neither of which is cultivated much today). With two French parents, it is clear that Syrah is indigenous to France. The Australians who had claimed that their name (Shiraz) was really the "proper" historical designation, as opposed to the French "corruption" (Syrah), are now strangely quiet.
Upcoming Events
Dainty white daisies and purple lupine carpet the vineyards, the birds are singing and the butterflies are everywhere - and with Spring comes many wine tasting events. For those of you who live or travel in the West, come visit us:
If that isn't convenient, come visit us at home in bucolic Sonoma County. Although we are not open to the general public, we are open for sales tastings and vineyard tours by appointment (call 707.433.9499 or e-mail at info@montemaggiore.com).
Ciao!
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