Description
The story of Graziano Family of Wines is a classic Italian immigrant tale of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Gregory Graziano's grandfather, Vincenzo, left his home in Monferrato, Piemonte, Italy in 1907 in search of a “better life” in America. He arrived in New York on Ellis Island with his friend, Charlie Comino (who would become his brother-in-law) and the two made their way across the country, working in coal mines and grain fields until they landed in California. By 1918, they had saved enough money to purchase 100 acres of land (for $25 an acre) in Mendocino County. They were ready to return to their roots as wine growers and planted vineyards on their property, just in time—unfortunately, for Prohibition and then the Depression to hit, forcing them into bootlegging and selling their grapes to home winemakers on the East Coast. After surviving that difficult period, by the mid-1930s they were able to establish their grape growing business in earnest, which would flourish and grow (yet not without other challenges along the way) across two generations to 1988 when Gregory and his wife, Trudi, founded Graziano Family of Wines. With a collection of four brands that each feature different varietals and blends, Greg has his hands full making over 30 different wines; but he does it all with great familial pride and in honor of his grandfather, Vincenzo, who started the family legacy nearly 100 years ago.
100% Tocai Friulano from the Nube Bianco Vineyard in Potter Valley, located on the eastern fork of the headwaters of the Russian River. The grapes were hand harvested. After crushing and pressing, the juice was cold settled then racked into French Burgundy oak barrels for fermentation and aging sur lie for 6 months. Inviting, layered aromatics with floral undertones. The palate is richly fruited, yet clean. Ripe yet focused, with a savory throughline and hints of sandalwood. This beautifully textured white wine shows classic flavors of stone fruit and citrus zest mingled with fresh green herbs, nicely balanced with a lingering finish. Given the potential for confusion with Tokaji in Hungary, it is worth noting that in the EU this grape is now referred to as Friulano or Sauvignonasse.
