Coturri Winery's Blog

Organic Labeling

2011-01-30T17:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a recent article from the LA Times discussing organic labeling and why there aren't more wineries with the label. This is a great article, discussing sulfites and the controversy surrounding these additives. As Tony says in the article, regarding his choice to keep the organic label off his wines, "It confuses the public. Plus, a lot of wineries would piggyback on me. If a consumer has a bad wine and it's an organic wine, they could turn on the whole category."

January 2011 New Releases

2011-01-30T17:04:00.000-08:00

Check out our new releases! Place your orders soon, or you might miss out!

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Testa Vineyards
$32.00 per bottle
$25.60 per bottle for wine club members
Did you enjoy the 2004 vintage? Well, we would recommend ordering some of this vintage right away! There were only 275 cases produced!

2007 Syrah Crane Vineyards
$30.00 per bottle
$24.00 per bottle for wine club members
Only 125 cases produced!

2008 Petite Sirah Testa Vineyards
$30.00 per bottle
$24.00 per bottle for wine club members
225 cases produced!

Quantity discounts offered for purchases of 1 or more cases on any of our wines!

Order through our website. And don't forget to join the wine club if you haven't already! (You get 20% off!)

Viniveri

2011-01-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

Tony just received an invitation from his favorite Italian winery to attend a natural wine fair. Tony was invited by his favorite wine producers, the Bea family. Stay tuned--Tony might be venturing over to Italy soon!

Hello Tony,
I am Giampiero Bea happy, son of Paul Bea happy of one of the wines from you more beloved: the Sagrantino Montefalco DOCG. Tank's very much, for this!

As you will remember, our method of job (philosophy) in the vineyard and in the wine cellar is very similar to your way: no herbicides, not fertilizers of synthesis, no assistant yeasts, not enzymes, not additions and controls temperatures, not filtering, no forced stabilizations. For these essential motives, I have founded in Italy a movement I am the name of True Wines, from the last year become Consortium [ www.viniveri.net ]. Our principal objective is that to make to know to the whole world this healthy idea of job, that first of all defends the nature and the identity of the tastes to make to come on the table a healthy drink for the one who fortune has to drink it.

Among our missions there is to organize a fair of the "Natural Wines" during the same period in which the European greatest fair of the wine develops him and perhaps of the World: the "VINITALY" in Verona town.

Such our exposure develops him to around 20 miles from the city of Verona.

Currently I am also the President of the Consortium ViniVeri that organizes such event under the name "VinoVinoVino". This year the edition 2011 will have carrying out during the days 7-8-9 April 2011. I am very pleased to invite to participate you. I would feel me honorable to be able to see you among the exhibitors of this event that it intends to be a point of reference for the wines produced by the nature and not facts (built by the man). Waiting for to read soon you, dispatch kindest regards,
Giampiero Bea

Olive Harvest

2010-11-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Now that the grape harvest is over, it's time for the olive harvest!

Arden, Phil's wife, has been making olive oil in Sonoma for many years. She's also involved with several local olive oil tasting panels and in 2005 she went to Italy to take part in a tasting course to become an olive oil taste panel leader.

Read this great article in our local newspaper, the Press Democrat, to learn more Arden and her great passion.

Dry Dock, Brooklyn

2010-11-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Dry Dock, a wine shop in Brooklyn, did a tasting of some of Coturri's wines on October 30th. While Tony was not there, it sounds like a great time. Check out their blog to learn more about the shop and about their tasting of Coturri wines. (Scroll down a bit--we're under the sake review!)

On the Road

2010-11-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

If you want to catch up with Tony at any of his upcoming wine tastings and wine dinners, here's his schedule for the end of November.

Wednesday, November 24th
Winfield/Flynn
558 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10016-3541
(212) 679-4455

5-8 p.m.

In-Store Wine Tasting.

Friday, November 26th

Ten Tables Restaurant
597 Centre St.

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

(617) 524-8810

Wine Tasting. Contact the Jamaica Plain location for more information.

Saturday, November 27th

Formaggio Kitchen
244 Huron Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138-1328
(617) 354-4750
12-2 p.m.

Stand Up Wine Tasting.

The Spirited Gourmet in Cushing Square

448 Common St
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 489 9463

4-7 p.m.

In-Store Wine Tasting.

Monday, November 29th

Bergamot Restaurant

118 Beacon Street
Somerville, MA 02143-4304
(617) 576-7700

Winemaker Dinner. Call restaurant for reservations.

Tuesday, November 30th
Ten Tables Restaurant
5 Craigie Circle
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 576-5444

Winemaker Dinner. 4 courses of delicious food paired with 4 of Tony’s most delicious wines for $65 per person. Contact the Cambridge location for details.

As we get more information and menus we'll post them.

Harvest

2010-11-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Photographer Michael Grimm visited for a few days of harvest and took some beautiful pictures. He has also put together a wonderful video that captures harvest in all its glory--including the dirt! He has done an amazing job capturing Coturri Winery's harvest. I hope you find the video as touching as we all did.

His pictures capture the hard workers of Coturri winery perfectly; he even managed to get everyone to take a brief moment out of their exhausting day and smile for the camera.

Take a moment to wander around Michael's blog. He has more beautiful pictures and other great videos.

New Releases

2010-10-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest list of new releases. Order today before we run out! And don't forget to join the Wine Club to get the best deals and the earliest information on everything Coturri.

2008 Primitivo Testa Vineyards
$30.00 per bottle
$24.00 per bottle for wine club members

2008 Albarello North Coast
$20.00 per bottle
$16.00 per bottle for wine club members

Non Vintage P. Coturri Zinfandel Sonoma Valley
$30.00 per bottle
$24.00 per bottle for wine club members

Here to order, and here to join the Wine Club.

Tony and... Beer?

2010-10-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Tony's other great passion is beer. Check out this article where Tony tours a brewery and learns about the positive side of Brettanomyces. Check out some cameos from other Sonoma County residents, including the head brewer at Lagunitas Brewing Company. (And if you want a little review, here's a link to Brettanomyces' Wikipedia page.) The article comes from local periodical North Bay Bohemian, a great guide to life and culture in the North Bay.

Coturri Anniversary Dinner Photos

2010-10-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

If you missed the party, or if you just weren't able to take enough pictures, here's a great gallery taken by Emily's husband, Oz Robledo. Download any photos you like. We'll be taken down the gallery at the end of November, so enjoy it before it disappears!

Check out Oz Robledo's other wonderful photos at his website. He has taken some amazing nature photos; also check out his evocative "Places" photos and his adorable pet photos.

Tony's Latest Trip to Texas

2010-10-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest from Cruz de Comal from Tony's late-October trip. Check out the rest of the blog, Vintage Texas, a great blog for information about Texas wine and the industry in Texas.

Harvest 2010

2010-10-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's here! It's here! After a loooong and cooler than normal summer, harvest has begun! It started a little slowly, but now we are in full swing here at the winery.

This season seemed to drag on a bit with the fog in the morning, and the highs reaching 80 if we were lucky. We had a few "heat waves" over the past couple weeks, which helped push along the grapes.

Everyone is working as quickly and efficiently as possible to get everything pressed! We can't wait to see how these grapes shape into great Coturri Wines!

(From Coturri Winery's Oct. 28, 2010 Newsletter)

Tony's New York Trip

2010-09-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

We've gathered a few blog posts about Tony's recent trip to New York.

First, read a great summary of Tony's tasting at Thirst Wine Merchants, located in historic Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Michael Yarmark has been a Coturri fan for years and the tasting at the shop he co-owns was phenomenal (it went on for almost three extra hours!).

Next, we have Tony's appearance at the Jenny & Francois Fall Preview. The first article, from McDuff's Food and Wine Trail, gives a great overview of the entire event, reviewing nearly all the wines present. (Tony's review is near the middle of the entry, under the heading "It Wasn't an All French Affair.") This entry is part two, so if you'd like to read about all the wines, check out the first part as well.

The final article, from Karen Ulrich's blog Imbibe New York, focuses on Coturri wines, highlighting each wine that was at the Jenny & Francois Fall Preview. Karen offers great tasting notes and great comments on the event as a whole.

Wine and Politics

2010-09-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The article discusses legislation that is before the House regarding alcohol shipping laws. A very interesting issue that could have an immense impact on Coturri Winery.

New Releases!

2010-09-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Announcing Coturri Winery's latest new releases! Click here if you would like to order and click here if you would like to join the wine club to receive discounts.

2007 Estate Zinfandel

$30.00 per bottle

$24.00 per bottle for wine club members

~~If you enjoyed the Primitivo, you will also enjoy this new vintage of the Estate Zin~~

2007 Maclise Merlot

$30.00 per bottle

$24.00 per bottle for wine club members

2009 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley

$30.00 per bottle

$24.00 per bottle for wine club members

Zinfandel

2010-07-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Back when Coturri started, we focussed on Zinfandel. Through the years we have branched out some, but we always have a Zin available. If you are interested in learning more about Zinfandel, check out this blog entry from "Yesterday's Island." "Yesterday's Island" is a Nantucket weekly newsletter that runs an "Island Sommellier" column written by Leslie-Ann Sheppard.

If you're interested in restocking your Zinfandel stock, order some here. (Remember, you get a discount and other great benefits if you join the wine club!)

Slow Food Charlotte

2010-07-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, Tony did a slow food event in Charlotte. Here are some wonderful pictures from the event taken by IMI Photography.

Follow this link to learn more about IMI Photography.

Coturri's Credo

2010-07-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

Godfrey Daniels, a blogger for the magazine Foodism, recently devoted an entry to Tony. In his entry, Godrey offers a wonderful summary of Tony's philosophy. Read the article, and learn all about "Coturri's Credo."

Foodism is a Northern California-based magazine that publishes articles about Bay Area culture and cuisine, focusing on restaurants, arts, and events that are sustainable. If you'd like more information about subscribing to Foodism, click here.

New Releases

2010-07-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

2009 Sonoma Valley Chardonnay

$30.00 per bottle

$24.00 per bottle for wine club members

2009 Sonoma Mountain Rosé

$23.00 per bottle

$18.40 per bottle for wine club members

Click here to place an order.

Click here to join the wine club and get 20% off your orders!

P. Coturri--"Full Speed Ahead!"

2010-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Are you holding on to that one last bottle of P. Coturri? Here is a great pairing suggestion, and a nice review of a recently enjoyed bottle. Read the review & blog here!

La Cruz de Comal

2010-06-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Learn more about Tony's Texas wine project, La Cruz de Comal. Cory Cartwright visited La Cruz de Comal recently to taste the wine and learn all about winemaking in Texas from Lewis Dickson, the winery's owner. Cory, who works for the Terroir Natural Wine Merchant in San Francisco, keeps a blog called Saignée where he writes about his experiences with wine-tasting. His entry on La Cruz de Comal is insightful and includes history and tasting notes; he also manages to capture the great friendship of Tony and Lewis that is the cornerstone of La Cruz de Comal.

(If you are visiting Texas, here's a list of locations where you can find La Cruz de Comal.)

Feedback!

2010-06-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Tasting with Tony

Tony always enjoys feedback on his wines, and especially talking to people who have never tried Coturri before. Feel free to send us any feedback you have (you can email Tony at tony@coturriwinery.com).

Here's one great example (among many!) of feedback from "Christopher's Wine and Cheese" blog. This is another great piece of feedback, with lots of pictures, from misstiffie.net.

We'd love to hear from you!

Christopher's Wine and Cheese Blog

2010-06-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a great review of our Freiberg Zinfandel from "Christopher's Wine and Cheese" blog. He also did a great review of our new Rosé.

Check out the rest of the blog for some great thoughts on wine (and, of course, cheese)!

Anniversary Party

2010-06-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

There is still room if you want to join us for our 31st Anniversary party! It's going to be held August 21, 2010. Contact us (emily@coturriwinery.com) if you want more information or to make a reservation.

MyDailyWine Interview

2010-06-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

A California Natural Wine Trailblazer

Amy Atwood interviewed Tony earlier this year. She asked some great questions and made some great wine recommendations. In addition to her blog, Amy Atwood runs Amy Atwood Selections, a California-based wine wholesale and import company that specializes in natural, biodynamic, and organic wines.

Amy Atwood asked, "What do you think has been the biggest shift in the wine business during the past 5 years?"

Tony replied, "The old fossil gatekeepers are slowly leaving the wine buying positions in the wine shops and restaurants. They are being replaced by young and open-minded wine buyers who have open palates and have for a largely extent grown up in households that have embraced organic and natural food products. These young people have a better understanding of what I am doing. And don’t have the provincial attitudes of the old. Also they tend to by more adventurous and have tasted more wines from all over the world. The young have open palates that go beyond the normal and conventional wines of the older wine buyers."

Read her whole blog post for more of the conversation.

Food & Wine Magazine: Natural Wine

2010-06-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Way Things Were

In the latest edition of Food & Wine Magazine there is a great article about the Natural Wine in the Loire Region of France. Jean- Pierre Robinot takes us through his idea of natural wine making. It's seems so simple: It's the way things were done. Plus, a listing of some top natural wine shops here in the states, with the '07 Coturri Carignane featured as the wine to buy at New York City's Appellation Wine Shop!

How To Buy Wine

2010-06-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life, you do need an instruction manual. We have all been guilty of going into a wineshop and buying something based on a pretty label or the "buy 6 and get a cool carrier" sale. Consider this a helpful "how to" for wine shopping.

American Rosé

2010-06-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Have you been holding off of ordering our 2009 North Coast Rosé? This article will surely convince you! Leslie-Ann Sheppard provides a breif history of Rosé and the different variations it offers. Also a few tips to ensure you are getting the best.

To order our 2009 North Coast Rosé, click here.

Resto Restaurant Winemaker's Dinner

2010-06-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

WOW! If you were wishing that you could have gone to the feast at Resto Restaurant, check out the blog of an attendee that captures each course & wine pairing. Coturri was the featured winery that evening!

31st Anniversary Party

2010-05-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

Spend an Evening at Coturri!

To celebrate 31 years of wine making,
Tony invites you to join us for an organic meal at the winery.

This year's 31st Anniversary party is scheduled for Saturday August 21^st. It will be limited to 50 people. Once again seats are first come first reserved.

Nic and Charlene are planning a local, organic meal combined with the latest releases from our winery.

There will be a charge of $60 per person to cover expenses.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you in August. Please give us a call (707-525-9126) or email (emily@coturriwinery.com or tony@coturriwinery.com) us to reserve your seats.

An Evening with Tony Coturri

2010-05-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Experience an evening with Tony Coturri of Coturri Winery in Glen Ellen California. An evening where we celebrate organic wine techniques paired with amazing local foods crafted by fantastic chefs of the area. The dinner is May 29, 2010, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Tickets are $50 and can be reserved by speaking with Steve and Geny Case : pecanlanefarm@gmail.com.

Funds are going to support 2010 Terra Madre Delegates and our Community Garden projects.

The dinner will be held at The Inn at New Town Farms, 4512 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

For more information, here is the event page.

Father Nature

2010-05-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

That is correct, Tony just might have a new nick name! While in Massachusetts Tony was featured at a tasting at Violette Imports. The Boston Globe created a new nickname for him. We hope that you had a chance to go to one of the events while he was in Massachusetts! See what else was said about the tasting at Violette!

Read the entire blog entry for all the details!

Video Blog #32: Tony and Nic

2009-07-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Tony and Nic Discuss Fermentation

Tony and Nic sit down to talk about fermentation--that all important part of harvest--for Nic's first video blog appearance. They reminisce about some of their memories associated with pushing the caps, as well as talking about how other people have viewed the natural fermentation process.

Video Blog #31: 24 Wineries

2009-05-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About the Organic Winemaking Process

Tony talks about how his recent sales trip has solidified and renewed his belief in the organic winemaking process.

Video Blog #30: Goodbye to Jean

2008-09-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Jean and Tony Chat

Tony Coturri begins this episode by giving a quick brief on the coming harvest. He then talks to Jean Briddell as she prepares to begin a new job.

From all of us at Coturri Winery, thank you Jean for everything you have done for Coturri Winery. We'll miss you but we know we'll see you again soon. Best of luck!

Video Blog #29: Truth in Labeling (Part 2)

2008-07-08T22:21:00.001-07:00

Tony Continues Discussing Truth in Labeling

Tony continues to make his argument for truth in labeling in this second segment.

Video Blog #28: Truth in Labeling

2008-07-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Tony Discusses Truth in Labeling

Tony talks about the controversial topic of "truth in labeling," in the first of a two-part segment.

Video Blog #27: New Sauvignon Blanc

2008-07-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Tony Tastes the New Sauvignon Blanc

Tony tastes and discusses one of his new releases, the Sauvignon Blanc. If you are interested in this wine, you can order it through the website or you can call the winery.

Video Blog #26: Return from Hiatus

2008-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Tony Explains Where He's Been

Tony talks about his recent trip to North Carolina and discusses other recent events.
(July 2, 2008)

'In Wine Country' Special Episode

2008-07-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

'In Wine Country' recently did a special piece about bottling wine by hand. They featured Sharp Cellars, one of Coturri Winery's vineyard partners. You can see the episode on YouTube (http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rwtabzZn0A), as well as viewing other pieces from this award-winning series (http://youtube.com/user/InWineCountry).

Video Blog #25: Vineyard Partners Part 3

2008-05-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Sonoma Solstice

Tony discusses Sonoma Solstice. This wine is available to buy. Please see the "Order Wine" section of the website for more information.

Video Blog #24: Vineyard Partners Part 2

2008-05-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Sharp Cellars

Tony talks about Sharp Cellars, another of his vineyard partners. Contact Tony about tasting or buying this wine.

Video Blog #23: Vineyard Partners Part 1

2008-05-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Cote des Cailloux

Tony, owner and winemaker, introduces Cote des Cailloux, one of his side projects. This wine is available to buy. Please see the "Order Wine" section of the website for more information.

Video Blog #22: Tony Introduces Vineyard Partners

2008-05-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Three of His Vineyard Partners

Tony, owner and winemaker, introduces three of his side projects: Solstice Vineyards, Sharp Cellars, and Cote des Cailloux. All three vineyards follow the Coturri philosophy, utilizing purely organic methods. Stay tuned for more episodes!

Video Blog #21: Restaurant Blends Part 3

2008-05-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

Tony Talks About Cafe Gratitude

Tony, owner and winemaker, talks about the Cafe Gratitude blend. Cafe Gratitude has several locations in California and offers a wide variety of vegan foods. Their website is www.cafegratitude.com.

Video Blog #20: Restaurant Blends Part 2

2008-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Rat's Restaurant

Tony, owner and winemaker, talks about the Rat's Restaurant blend. Rat's Restaurant is in New Jersey and serves an extensive menu. Rat's website is www.ratsrestaurant.org.

Video Blog #19: Restaurant Blends Part 1

2008-05-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Cafe Miranda

Tony, owner and winemaker, talks about Cafe Miranda's blend, Miranda Red. Cafe Miranda is located in Rockland Maine and offers a variety of foods. Their website is www.cafemiranda.com.

Video Blog #18: Tony Introduces Three of His Side Projects

2008-04-26T11:12:00.001-07:00

Tony Talks About Three Special Blends

Tony, owner and winemaker, introduces three blends he makes for three different restaurants. Stay tuned: more information on all three blends and their restaurants will be posted.

Video Blog #17: Tony on Some Special Wines

2008-04-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Tony Tours the Bottle Library

Tony, owner and winemaker, gives a special tour of the bottle library. He reveals four wines old favorites, each with a special memory.

Video Blog #16: Tony on Two New Releases

2008-04-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About a Rosé and a Sauvignon Blanc

Tony, owner and winemaker, reveals two new releases, a rosé and a sauvignon blanc. Both wines mark a departure for Tony, who is known as a "red wine guy." Both wines will be good summer wines.

Video Blog #15: Tony on Earth Day

2008-04-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About How He Feels About Earth Day

Tony, owner and winemaker, talks about Earth Day and what Earth Day represents to him.

Video Blog #14: Tony on the Wine Library

2008-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Tony Reveals a "Treasure From the Bottle Cellar"

Tony, owner and winemaker, continues his tour of the wine cellar. In addition to curing salamis with his father, Tony has aged other products in here. Today he reveals one of those products, a 20-year old treasure.

Video Blog #13: Tony Talks More About LD3

2008-04-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Tony Opens the Second Box From LD3

Tony, owner and winemaker, opens the second box from Texas. He talks more about his Texas project, this time discussing the difficulties of growing grapes there and revealing the "La Cruz" label.

Video Blog #12: Tony Talks About His Grandfather

2008-04-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Tony's Grandfather and Prohibition

Tony, owner and winemaker, continues his exploration of the wine library. This time Tony reveals a bottle that was his grandfather's, who owned a saloon before Prohibition.

Video Blog #11: Tony Continues on LD3

2008-04-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tony Pulls Out Some New Wines From Texas

Tony, owner and winemaker, talks more about his Texas project with Lewis Dickson. Tony shares a special white wine that does extremely well in the Texas climate. This wine is not available to buy, but if you can find this wine in Texas. If you have any questions, feel free to call up Tony, 707-525-9126.

Video Blog #10: Tony on Purity of Food

2008-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About Why He Supports Purity of Food

Tony Coturri, owner and winemaker, talks about why pure food is so important to him. Tony also talks about the necessity of "truth in labeling," letting people know exactly what was put into the wine.

Video Blog #9: A Note from Jean Briddell

2008-04-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jean Briddell Talks About Working at Coturri Winery

Jean Briddell, general manager of Coturri Winery, talks about what she loves about Coturri Winery and her experience with wine. Jean also describes the wine club, talking about how the wines are chosen for wine club. To join the wine club, follow this link: http://coturriwinery.com/wineclub.html.

Video Blog #8: Tony on Biodynamics (Part 2)

2008-04-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

Tony Continues His Discussion of Biodynamics

Tony, owner and winemaker, continues talking about biodynamics. Tony talks about the importance of the horn and the ingredients that go into the horn.

Video Blog #7: Tony on '06 Albarello

2008-04-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About a New Release

Tony, owner and winemaker, continues his tour of the bottle library. This time he introduces a new release, 2006 Albarello. Tony also introduces the newly designed label.

Video Blog #6: Tony Talks About LD3 Wine

2008-04-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About One of His Texas Project Wines

Tony, owner and winemaker, reveals another wine in his library, this time a wine he made in Texas. Tony and his good friend Lewis Dickson have started a small winery in the Texas hill-country, not far from San Antonio. Tony talks about some of the differences in making wine in Texas, as well as how these differences change the wines.

Video Blog #5: Tony on Paolo Bea

2008-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tony Talks About One of His Favorite Wines

Tony Coturri, owner and winemaker, continues his tour of his wine library, this time revealing an awe-inspiring Paolo Bea Sagrantino. The Paolo Bea winery, located in Umbria Italy, follows a philosophy compatible with Coturri's, growing and producing wine organically.

Video Blog # 4: Tony on '64 Petite Sirah

2008-04-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Tony Reminiscing

Tony Coturri, owner and winemaker, talks about a wine he made with his dad in 1964 and the ability of natural wines to age.

Video Blog #3: What Makes Coturri Different

2008-04-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

What Makes Coturri Distinctive

Tony Coturri, owner and winemaker, explains how Coturri wines are different, describing his organic methods. Organic wine-making produces wines with strong, bold flavors, full of terroir (the French term for "the taste of place"). Tony feels wine is an integral part of a meal, saying "You never eat food without wine; you never drink wine without food."

Video Blog #2: Sulfites

2008-04-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

The Second Installment of Tony Coturri's New Video Blog!

Tony Coturri, winemaker and owner of Coturri wines, discusses sulfites and why Coturri Winery doesn't use them. Coturri Winery has never added anything to the wines, sparking the motto "Nothing Added, Nothing Taken Away." Tony also brings up the contentious topic of truth in labeling and terroir, the French term for the "taste" of a certain area.

Video Blog #1: Biodynamic Wines

2008-03-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

The first of the Coturri Video Blog is here!

Winemaker and owner of Coturri Winery, Tony Coturri, gives an introduction to what Biodynamic wines are and what the winery is doing to return their growing practices back to the basics. Tony explains the difference between organic and biodynamic growing practices and why it is all just about going back to the basics.

Events To Be Announced

2008-03-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Tony Coturri will be in Boston April 23-May 3rd.

Nic Coturri will be visiting New York April 23- May 3rd.

Tony Coturri will be arriving in Ohio May 19 until May 26.

Stay tuned for more details on their arrivals and tastings!

Check out "Just Grapes"!

2007-12-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

This is a documentary about Tony Coturri, the maverick winemaker and owner of Coturri Winery, and his mission to sell sulfite-free, organic natural wines to the New York Market. Posted by 30proof.com

2007-12-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Holiday Food and Wine Pairings from Winemaker Tony Coturri

It’s always a bit of a Headscratcher when it comes time to match wine with Holiday fare.The traditional foods turkey, beef and ham seem to be pretty straight forward.

White wine with poultry, red wine with beef and ham is kind of between the two.
Our cuisine is changing. Our tastes are changing. There is much more emphasis on fresh foods and the preparation is very basic and relaxed. However sometimes, particularly around the Holiday we tend to want richer, more exotic and elaborate meals yet still keep an eye on healthy choices.

There are two basic ways of matching Wine and Food:
Complement or Contrast
Complementing is the easier of the two; rich creamy sauces with beef pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon or other dry wines such as Merlot, Malbec or blends of the two.

Dessert pairs with sweet-style wines, later picked Zinfandels, ports, and sauternes. Easy... no fuss, or muss.
But… consider wines like a Syrah from a hot climate, that while dry, carries fruitiness… or consider the earthiness of a Sangiovese and the complexity of Pinot Noir…..These wines are are a little more difficult to pour at gatherings.

Here are some contrasting combinations that might be interesting as well as tasty:

Coturri Zinfandels, such as our Estate, Freiberg Vineyards and East Block Chauvet.
A fun match for these offerings is an appetizer of sourdough bread and blue cheeses.
The acrid flavor from the blue cheese balances well with the sweetness of the Zin. The cheese gets creamier and the wine shows more fruit and becomes dry.

Turkey is a meat that contrasts well with Zinfandel. The meat can be a little dry and yet rich from the stuffing. A late-pick Zin will bring those two flavors together.
Orange Duck is yet another perfect match for a Coturri Zin.

Consider Coturri Syrahs: Such as our Crane and Sonoma Solstice....or our Cote des Cailloux, a Syrah blend.
These wines traditionally match well with slow-cooked stews, Cassoulet or grilled poultry, especially duck breast. I would pair a Syrah with a spicy Crab Cioppino, (and when I say Spicy I mean Spicy)
a green salad made from raw cabbage and a sour dough crispy bread such as Bruchetta or Crostini.

Roast a Goose with a nice crispy skin and herbs like rosemary and sage.
Throw in lots of winter vegetables such as kale, cabbage, winter squash and Tuscan Nero Cavolo
(black cabbage).
This is the kind of dish that will set off a Syrah’s flavors .

Beef:
When I get to Prime rib and other beef dishes I still love a Cabernet Sauvignon and the Claret-style wines.
The Coturri Testa, Rustling Ridge, Maclise and Feingold wines are all about beef.
Bring-on the Yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes with butter, green beans with slivers of almonds and chopped garlic.
One of the ultimate pairings is Beef Wellington, a tenderloin coated with pate or mushrooms, baked in a pastry shell.
Wellington requires a lot of preparation but is well worth the effort. Remember to decant these wines at least an hour before serving.

Also, save a glass or two of the Cab or Merlot to have with dessert. There’s nothing better than a nice dry, fruity, bold wine to enjoy with a piece of decadent chocolate cake.

Coturri’s Jewell Pinot Noir and Freiberg Sangiovese have flavor profiles that are complex and somewhat contradictory. Both are noted for their earthy aromas and tastes, yet both have a wonderful fruitiness. Strong tannins are also a hallmark of both wines.

Wild game birds such as Dove, Chucker or Pheasant, either roasted or grilled, with simple or complicated saucings, work well with these wines.
Try juniper or cranberries in a reduction sauce.
Choose Polenta as an excellent accompaniment for these dishes. The Sangiovese is well suited for pairing with wild red meat. A grilled Vension finished with some fresh tangy olive oil that’s more green than gold in color- gives you the classic Steak Florentine.

There’s one dish that is magic with Pinot Noir and that is Mushrooms, Sweetbreads and cream sauce in a puff pastry. This dish has it all…..the earthiness of the mushrooms, the sweetness of the sweetbreads and the cream sauce for the tannins in the Pinot.
I hope these pairings I have shared will entice you to try one.

Closing notes and well wishes from Tony…..

The Holidays are always a time of reflection.
Every year has its good times as well as it’s bad.
Both have to be experienced and understood.
Here's to all of our new friends and to those lost along the way.
May 2008 get you a little further down the road you want to be on.

The perfect gift for the Holidays from Coturri Winery

What is a more perfect gift than Wine ?

This Holiday Season, consider giving the gift of wine to Friends and Family by signing them up for the Coturri Wine Club.

A Subscription to our Wine Club is a gift that lasts throughout the year
and is both a great value and way to give your loved ones that perfect gift.

Here’s how : http://www.coturriwinery.com/wineclub.html

The Harvest of 2007

2007-12-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Winemaker notes from Tony Coturri

2007 was a very difficult, long and rewarding Harvest.
The weather was extremely variable and cantankerous.

We saw severe heat (ten days in early September) and 3 rain periods-the last one stopped picking for 8 days mid-way through October. The yields were down, the bunches and berries were small and the sugar levels generally lower than the last few years.
Vineyards that typically had to hang the fruit till 26 or 27 % sugar, came in ripe this year at 25%.

We had long hang time with the rains and the coolness after the storms.
These cooler temperatures carried over to the fermentations.
Generally the ferments were cooler and longer.
Few fermentations got above 85 degrees and 10 to 18 day fermentations were not uncommon.
The colors were dark due to the smaller berries.
This years young wines show good fruit characteristics, ripe acids and clean aromas.
Our first Harvest (Jewell Pinot Noir) was on September 6th our last pick was the 29th of October and the last pressing was the 12th of November.
A long season !!!

Tony on Wine TV

2007-11-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

Tony has been featured on the program Wine TV. Here is some information from the Wine TV web site :"We are very lucky to have Tony Coturri of the legendary Coturri wines here with us today. Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through these “true” wines and is stunned by them. Coturri winery is very famous for their farming and the approach to vineyards." You can watch it here. Or you can click on the image above to see it in full-screen.

Coturri in TIME

2007-09-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

"Tony Coturri, a co-owner of the Coturri Winery in Glen Ellen, Calif., began making natural wines 27 years ago and doesn't use even the sulfites that most experts think are needed to preserve wine. He's so devoted to the natural ethos that he is pushing to have ingredients listed on wine labels. "I believe that wine is best at its most basic--crushed grapes, fermented, pressed into barrels and then bottled," he says. "Nothing added, nothing taken away."

Fans insist that there's nothing faddish about those wines. Joe Dressner, a New York City--based importer specializing in natural wines (or, as he likes to call them, "real wines"), says people buy his wines because they like what is in the bottle. "It's a sensory preference, which prefers nature to technology. This is not about being a purist. We simply feel the wines taste better."

Read the rest of the aticle!