Page Two of Women Winemakers: Georgetta Dane
Dane’s next move was to Big House in Monterey County in 2006. It resides in the Underdog Wine Merchants division (www.underdogwinemerchants.com ) of The Wine Group. “Our goal,” according to Dane, “is to trumpet the many underappreciated Mediterranean varieties that express such a rich and varied array of aromas and flavors.” Underdog explains that “the wines were born of the notion that the California climate [in the Central Coast and Central Valley, at least, where Big House’s grapes are sourced] is more hospitable to the rollicking, sun-loving grapes of the Mediterranean than some other varieties that should probably remain nameless (i.e. cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot).”
You can either enjoy or overlook the shtick. But do not overlook the aromatic, fruity, subtly oaked, food-friendly wines, which, according to Wine Enthusiast magazine, “offer some of the best values in California.”
Suggested retail prices range from $10 to $20; the wines can be found, however, for as little as $7.
For starters:
2008 Big House White ($10): An award-winning combination of “flamboyant Italians” (Malvasia Bianca and Muscat Canelli) and “austere and serious French” grapes (Viognier and Rousanne). A charming blend, fresh and crisp, with aromas and flavors of melon, pear, lychee, peach, dried apricot and tropical fruit.
2008 Big House Pink ($10): A refreshing, versatile mix of Syrah, Charbono, Grenache, Tannat, Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Sagrantino and Petite Verdot. Floral, fruity and dry. Try it when you’re not sure just what to serve. Especially good with grilled meats and vegetables.
2007 Big House Red ($10): “More varieties than Sybil had personalities”: Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Barbera, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Charbono, Mourvèdre, Malbec, Grenache, Tempranillo, Petite Verdot, Touriga, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola and Sagrentino. This popular, fruit-forward, full-flavored red, made in a Rhône style, is truly a fusion wine, with grapes that bring to mind France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Uruguay, in addition to California.
The other inmates:
UPPER CELL BLOCK
2008 Big House The Birdman Pinot Grigio (with Chenin Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Viognier and other whites), $15
2006 The Slammer Syrah (with Petite Sirah), $15
2006 The Prodigal Son Petite Sirah, $15
2006 The Lineup G/S/M (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre), $15
2006 Cardinal Zin, $20
©2009 Sharon Kapnick for SeniorWomen.com
