Stone by stone we were taken into the past
Patrick and I recently paid a visit to Castello di Amorosa, a beautiful castle atop the hills of southern Calistoga. We were invited to Cheers to Taste, a social network of hospitality and industry people in Napa Valley.
Owner of this romantic and medieval castle, yet working winery is Dario Sattui. His passionate dreams of an architectural and authentic 12th century Tuscan style castle had came to light and construction of this 121 square feet genuine labor of love began in 1994. There are five towers, courtyards, a church, guardhouse, and many corridors that make up this regal castle.
The event was held in the Great Hall and murals of the 15th century covered the walls. Down a level was one of 107 rooms, an authentic torture chamber room consisting of– three prison cells, stretching rack, nail covered chair, and even an Iron Maiden just like in Tuscany, Italy. There were many underground passageways and then there was the biggest room, the Grand Barrel cellar which is 12 thousand square feet with 40 cross-vaults and ribbing. This room holds as much as 2000 barrels of wine.
“The main rule of Castello di Amorosa is to provide a unique, unparalleled and consummate winery experience for every guest who visits the estate.” They produce primarily Italian style wines, as the red grapes are grown in Napa Valley and on the estate grounds, Sangiovese grapes surround the property, and white grapes are grown in the Carneros district of Napa Valley or Anderson Valley, where these areas are nice and cool. Some grapes are purchased from other select growers around the region. They use a sustainable approach to managing pests and diseases in their vineyards.
Off the Grand Hall, one of the featured foods for this event was wood-burning pizza made by Chef Todd Humphries (opening the “Kitchen Door Restaurant” at the Oxbow Market, Napa). This was an excellent pairing for the 2009 “Gioia”- Rosato di Sangiovese, an Italian style Rose’ that was gorgeous with pink and bright red tones in color, as well as, apples and plums on the nose. The taste of Strawberries and Cranberries were lovely on the palate. 2058 cases were produced, retails for $24.00 a bottle and excellent for sipping during warm months. This particular Sangiovese Rose’ comes through as almost a strawberries and cream effect with a bit of raspberry at the finish and would pair well with Smoked Salmon or a Smoked Pork Loin.
Down below in the tasting room, there was a retail area and most people were having fun trying on crowns and looking at medieval artifacts. Another wine being offered was the 2009 Gewurztraminer “Dolcino” of Anderson Valley and it had aromas of floral, spice, apricots, cinnamon and sweet honey. On the palate, a bit of sweetness and complex with the spiciness and nuttiness but balanced with it’s crisp acidity. 571 cases were produced and retails for $22.00 a bottle. Generally, this wine would be too sweet, but it was very nice and light. A nice sipping wine or served with Spicy Thai Chicken with coconut milk sauce. Thanks to Todd for another successful Cheers to Taste event.
