The Unique Approach of Young Paso Robles Winemakers
Paso Robles, CA (PRWEB) September 24, 2013 -- Shannon Brady, Industry Relations Coordinator for the Paso Robles Wine Alliance says, “The growing number of young winemakers in Paso Robles is a trend at least partly attributed to the location of California Polytechnic State University’s proximity to the region. With wine and viticulture programs that Cal Poly offers, Paso Robles is an ideal location to start a career in the winemaking industry.”
In a recent article on foodandwine.com, proprietor Matt Trevisan of Linne Calodo is quoted as “one of Paso Robles's most accomplished producers” even though he is only in his mid-thirties. “Trevisan has worked with many of the better producers in the region, notably Justin Smith at Saxum Vineyards. Today he makes blends that are some of Paso Robles' most compelling wines.” Saxum’s 2007 James Berry Vineyard from Paso Robles was named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2010.
According to Allison Berry of Time Style, “a new generation of young winemakers are bringing an experimental, innovative sensibility to this pursuit as they exploit the state’s temperate climate and fertile soil.” She references Aaron Jackson of Aaron Wines, a Paso Robles winery who focuses solely on Petite Sirah. Jackson is 30 years old and attributes his success to a couple of key items. The first is the affordability of Paso Robles, “I was able to grow my brand organically on a shoestring budget,” states Jackson. The second is gaining knowledge by asking a lot of questions and tasting many wines. “Having a great palate is cornerstone, because at the end of the day it’s all about flavor,” says Jackson in his interview with Garagiste Festival Staff. Jackson is also the consulting winemaker at Kiler Grove Winegrowers.
Owner John Kelliher states, “At Grapeline Wine Tours, we have noticed that the younger generation of winemakers appeals to the younger generation of wine drinkers. The influx of both in Paso Robles seems to be at least one of the reasons why the demand for wine tours continues to steadily increase among younger wine lovers.”
Third generation winemaker Brian Benson of Brian Benson Cellars has attracted a lot of attention after Robert Parker Jr. reviewed his 2006 and 2007 Rhone wines: the 2007 SYRAH Denner Vineyard that scored 90+ points, the 2007 SYRAH Glenrose Vineyard that scored 91 points, and the 2007 S&M (Syrah/Mourvedre Blend) that also scored 91 points. Now 31, Benson continues to follow his passion and make “intense, unique, and extremely high quality custom wines.”
Denner Vineyards, one of Paso Robles’ most well-respected wineries, hired Anthony Yount as their winemaker at age 25 only 2 years ago. Despite his young age, Yount not only works at this well-established vineyard, but he also produces his own Kinero Cellars blends on the side. According to an interview with Maggie Hoffman of drinks.com, Yount describes this as an “additional creative outlet” allowing him a “free creative and experimental license to make, market, and sell wines that are a pure expression” of himself.
John Kelliher, Grapeline, http://www.gogrape.com, +1 (951) 538-2091, [email protected]
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