Description
Born and raised in northern Bulgaria, Miroslav “Miro” Tcholakov was exposed to wine and winemaking at a very early age. His grandfather had made the family supply of wine, and as a boy, Miro was at his side during all phases of the process. After completing his mandatory military service, Miro attended the Higher Institute of Agriculture in Plovdiv, where he studied viticulture and enology. Soon after graduation in the summer of 1990, he was chosen from hundreds of candidates to participate in an international agriculture exchange program. After a few months in Napa, he was taken on as harvest intern at Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Vineyard. What was supposed to be a temporary harvest job turned into a nine-year position, moving through the ranks from Cellar Master to Assistant Winemaker. In 1998, Miro went to work as Winemaker for Trentadue Winery (which is still his “day job”); in addition to managing several custom crush operations for other winemaker clients. In 2001, Miro started his own brand with an inaugural bottling of Petite Sirah. In fact, we just featured his 2022 bottling as part of our Wine Club.
Miro’s 2022 Cuvée Sasha is made up of 78% Grenache and 22% Syrah. The grapes were meticulously sorted and gently destemmed before fermentation. A small percentage of whole clusters were added to the bottom of the tank to increase the fruity Grenache aromas. The wine was fermented in a stainless-steel tank at a relatively low temperature, and pressed at dryness after nine days of fermentation. Aged for 18 months in 18% new French oak and 82% neutral oak barrels. Layered aromas of dried red berries and potpourri. The palate bursts with ripe wild strawberry, raspberry and sweet red plums, with a touch of toasted caramel. Richly fruited with ample acid and plenty of peppery spice on the pleasantly gripping finish. 335 cases produced.
