Monterey Vintners Signature Series Wine Collection Unveiled

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with September's designation as California Wine Month, Monterey Wine Country is releasing a ground-breaking series of wines – the Monterey Signature Series Wine Collection, showcasing four of Monterey County's nine American Viticulture Areas (AVA). Offering an up-close look at the essence of this burgeoning wine region, the Signature Series' release includes two Pinot Noir and two Chardonnay wines, each crafted through a collaboration of three celebrated wineries from the AVA. 

• Santa Lucia Highlands AVA Pinot Noir – Paul Clifton (Hahn Winery), David Fleming (Paraiso Vineyards), and Steve Pessagno (Pessagno Winery)
  Notes of cola nut, spice, fig, raspberry, earthy forest floor, with fully ripe fruit, substantial weight in the mid-palate, and a moderate, silky length on the finish.
• Monterey AVA Pinot Noir – Dave Nagengast (Scheid Vineyards), Steve McIntyre (McIntyre Vineyards), and Sabrine Rodems (Wrath Wines)
  Juicy with notes of cherries, raspberries, and black berries laced with jasmine. Secondary notes of cardamom and coriander lift the palate and allow full expression all the way into the finish. 
• Chalone AVA Chardonnay – Robert Cook (Chalone Vineyards), Michael Michaud (Michaud Vineyard), and Phil Woodward (Woodward Graff Wines)
  Ripe citrus and stone fruit within the framework of bright acidity and a gravelly mineral finish when young. Earthy aromas of fig and brioche develop with age, yet remains refreshing and youthful on the palate.
• 2010 Arroyo Seco AVA Chardonnay made by Karl Antink (J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines), Ivan Giotenov (Carmel Road Winery), and Karl Wente (Wente Vineyards)
  Creamy and floral, boasting citrus flavors of Meyer lemon along with an underlying mineralstone characteristic. The palate balances richness with mouth-watering acidity that extends into a long finish.

"Due to its geography and the influence of Monterey Bay, Monterey County produces wines of the same varietal that vary dramatically from one AVA to the next," said MCVGA Executive Director, Rhonda Motil, whose organization spearheaded the Signature Series project.  "In designing the Signature Series, we wanted to bring this differentiation to light in a way that showcases our appellations and the winemakers who champion them."

To introduce the Signature Series, the MCVGA will hold a media tour through Monterey Wine Country showcasing the region's AVAs this September 10-14.  Additionally, the MCVGA will take these wines, among others, on the road for a multi-city national tour early in 2013.

About the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association
Bringing together the talents and resources of its members, partners and the community, the MCVGA promotes and supports their leadership in the art, science and business of wine.  Founded in 1974, the Association is a non-profit organization representing over 75 vintners and growers in Monterey, California.  Additional details are available by visiting www.MontereyWines.org or by calling (831) 375-9400. 

CONTACT:

PARKER SANPEI & ASSOCIATES
Linda Sanpei
805.543.2288
[email protected]

SOURCE Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA)