In the Beginning… the Robert Renzoni Story
Picture, if you would, gentle sloping hills with signature Sangiovese grapes providing a tapestry for a stone villa with a commanding view of the countryside. In the barrel room, names like Sangiovese, Bellissimo, Moscato and Pinot Grigio tempt the visitor with a handsome parchment-like label with the proprietor’s name: Robert Renzoni.
Are we in Tuscany or possibly north of Milan? In Temecula, Robert Renzoni with his father Fred recently unveiled a vineyard and winery that footprints those lovely wineries that dot the Italian landscape. The Renzoni family involvement with wine goes back to 1886. Robert is 4th generation with a keen knowledge of the importance of family and historical tradition. It is this soul of Italian winemaking that supports Robert Renzoni Vineyards and will carry it to stardom in Temecula Wine Country.
Robert is no stranger to wine country. “I was with Leonesse Cellars as their sales manager and saw an opportunity to bring a new kind of winery to Temecula,” he said. “We are bringing a touch of Italy to Temecula. Our Sangiovese is old world style: a light to medium bodied table wine with plenty of flavor. Our focal point will be a Tuscan style two-story villa which should be constructed next year, that will house a landmark 50 foot belltower with a bell that’s been handed down through the family.
The second story will be a VIP style tasting room with an outdoor deck for gatherings.” In the meantime, a comfortable tasting room has been put together in the barrel room that is open daily 11am to 6pm at the vineyard which is on De Portola Rd. between Keyways and Leonesse Wineries.
There, visitors can taste and purchase 6 wines: a 2007 Pinot Grigio, a 2007 La Rosa with a lovely strawberry summer taste, a 2007 Bellissimo, a 2007 Moscato, a 2006 Sangiovese, aged 17 months in American Oak and a 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel with brilliant aromas of ripe blueberry and blackberry. Robert pointed out that “we will have a Cabernet and a Chardonnay soon, and we have just planted Brunello Sangiovese clones on the property. Our wine club is up and running and is offering 25% off on all wines.”
I fell in love with the ’07 Bellissimo, a refreshing white that reminded me of a smooth Sauvignon Blanc, and the ’06 Sangiovese with grapes sourced from Paso Robles. In my enthusiasm for this infant Vineyard and winery, I tripped and addressed Robert as Mondavi. Correcting myself, it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, Robert Renzoni may one day be the Robert Mondavi of Temecula Wine Country.
The wine is that good! For phone contact, call 951-302-VINO or access information at www.robertrenzonivineyards.com. More From Temecula Cougar Vineyard and Winery is another of Temecula’s newest wineries with the first husband and wife winemaking team: Rick and Jennifer Buffington. They own about 10 acres and also believe the Italian style wines are what is best grown in this area.
They are also on DePortola Rd. where last year they were medaled with their Chardonnay, estate Sangiovese, Muscat Canelli and Riesling. Cougar is also planting Montepulciano, Aglianico, Vermentino and Primitivo grapes. Look them up at www.cougarvineyards.com.
THE LOCAL SIP
? The 2008 Paso Robles Wine Festival rolls out on Friday May 16 to Sunday the 18th. Saturday the downtown city park is filled with food, artisans, wine seminars and more than 90 wineries. If you pursue a unique eating and drinking experience, this one’s for you. Find out more about the three levels of admission fees by accessing www.pasowine.com. Or call 805-239-8463.
? Carlsbad Wine Merchants is presenting “Springtime in Napa” with an inventory of handcrafted wines from small vineyards in that fabled area. It benefits the Hemophilia Society of San Diego. 5pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $50 ea. Call 760-804-9994.
? Wine Encounter in the Hillcrest area of San Diego offers fine boutique Washington wines on Tuesday, May 20 with a 7pm start. $30 pp. All wines are 90+ in Wine Spectator. Call 619-543-9463.
? Wine Spot in Carlsbad’s upcoming tastings include: Pinotfest! on Friday, May 16 to 18, and Paso Robles Wines from Friday, May 23 to 25. Call 760-434-9463 for prices.
? Vino 100 in San Marcos helps out several charities by joining in the Hope Wine partnership. This month at Vino 100, you can purchase the fine Hope wines with each varietal giving back a 50% donation from Vino 100. The wines are just $19 each. Ask Molly for details at Vino 100, 760-591-9113.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
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