Noteworthy Wines from Napa Valley’s Battuello Vineyards
Matteo Battuello and his wife Serafina founded Battuello Vineyards in 1909, after immigrating to the United States from the Piedmont region of Italy. They initially farmed grapes, plums and walnuts on the land they purchased. While raising their sons Dominic and Joseph, they enhanced the property with additional plantings of wine grapes, and the vineyards continue to thrive. From one generation to the next, the Battuellos proudly carry on the family tradition of farming in St. Helena.
When Dominic and his wife Ellen inherited the property they expanded the vineyards, while raising their children Craig, Lois, and Elaine. Craig is the current proprietor, running and operating the property with his son Dave (vineyard manager) and Dave’s wife Torey (heading up marketing and sales). Dave and Torey’s children Case and Alessa (fifth generation), are being raised on the property today.
Their sustainably farmed 82-acre site in the St. Helena AVA is planted to 65 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, four acres of Petit Verdot, and smaller parcels of Sauvignon Blanc and Valdiguié (a grape more widely grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, and once dubbed Napa Gamay in California). All their wines are crafted from estate fruit.
I highly recommend their current releases, which are showing beautifully:
2019 Valdiguié Rosé ($28): The brilliant peachy-pink hue simply glows. Rising from the glass are scents of lemon blossom, and a strawberry field brimming with ripe fruit. On the palate, the berry theme continues with red raspberries and strawberries accented by citrus, subtle black pepper, and minerality. Beautifully balanced and refreshing with a zesty finish.
2018 Valdiguié ($45): Fragrant floral notes capture your attention at first whiff of this medium-bodied, fully flavored, dry red wine. Wild raspberries, Sweetheart cherries, huckleberries, a kiss of oak, strawberry-rhubarb sauce, and a hint of crushed thyme coat the palate, and will have you reaching for more. Smooth and nicely balanced with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity that carries the wine to a satisfying close.
2018 Petit Verdot ($70): A deep purple hue catches the eye, and the concentrated berry and violet aroma captures the senses. Voluptuous on the palate, as flavors of purple plums, black currant, tobacco, wild blackberries, and oak spice nuances unfold harmoniously. The texture is velvety, the tannins are supple, and lush fruit lingers well beyond the last sip. Approachable now, while promising to age gracefully for years.
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ($90): The alluring nose is chock full of heady dark fruit, and the entry offers up mulberry and black currant notes. Broad, complex, and precisely balanced through the palate where Bing cherry, blackberry, cassis, pipe tobacco, savory spice, subtle oak, and underlying earthiness interlace. The pure core of fruit, firm backbone of tannins, and balancing acidity speak to this wine's cellar worthiness, and the finish is everlasting.
Battuello Vineyards welcomes visitors for tastings by appointment. You can reach Torey via email at torey@battuellovineyards.com, or via phone at 707 888-1320. For further details and/or to order wine, visit their website at www.battuellovineyards.com.
