San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Out-of-state wineries win big at annual competition
solar/geothermal-powered facility. Crafted as 100 percent Moscato Nero, the gold-hued Rosé is designed for top quality but also value.
“We work with terrific growers to find the best fruit at the best prices available,” Johnson said. “Then my team and I work very hard to find the best balance in the glass we can.”
NEW YORK: SPARKLING SWEEPSTAKE WINNER
Goose Watch Winery NV Finger Lakes Brut Rosé ($23.99, 800 cases produced)
A first-time entrant in San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Goose Watch is a branch of Swedish Hill Winery in Finger Lakes. Privately owned by the Peterson family since 1969, the company now produces more than 60,000 cases annually.
For this boutique Brut production, winemaker Dave Peterson seeks to keep it an affordable luxury even as it is crafted in small batches.
“The grapes are entirely Finger Lakes grown and are primarily — about 75 percent — from our estate vineyards at Goose Watch,” he said. “We sell most of this product direct to the consumer through our tasting room and internet sales, so this also helps us keep our retail price down.”
VIRGINIA: SPARKLING SWEEPSTAKE WINNER
Trump Winery 2014 Monticello Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blanc ($34, 10,000 cases produced)
Trump Winery has been entering the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for the last five years, and has received multiple awards over that time including a Gold Medal for its 2012 Sparkling Rosé and 2016 Cabernet, a Double Gold for its 2009 Brut Reserve and a Gold for its 2010 Blanc de Blanc.
“The Blanc de Blanc has been my favorite wine to produce year after year,” said winemaker Jonathan Wheeler. “I am always focused on improving the quality of the wines, starting in the vineyard, so to have a panel of such esteemed judges rate our 2014 Blanc de Blanc the best sparkling wine validates all of our hard work and dedication. I am so proud of the vineyard and winery team and everyone involved in making this wine.”