laetitia VINEYARD & WINERY
DECEMBER 2015
Situated in the Arroyo Grande Valley of Southern San Luis Obispo County, California, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery is dedicated to producing world-class Burgundian wines with a special focus on Pinot Noir. The winery is also noted for its limited production of French-inspired MÊthode Champenoise sparkling wines. From a hillside setting just four miles from the Pacific Ocean, Laetitia’s vineyards enjoy cool sea breezes, coastal fog and a long growing season. When combined with the well-drained soils of the Laetitia Estate, these favorable conditions result in exceptional fruit and wines with balance, complexity and elegance. Laetitia Vineyard & Winery 453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Tasting Room open daily from 11:00AM to 5:00PM
805.481.1772
info@laetitiawine.com www.laetitiawine.com www.nadiawine.com
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cellar update with
ERIC HICKEY
riddling the racks with
DAVE HICKEY
in the vines with
LINO BOZZANO featured employee club contents awards & accolades
happenings
featured wine: nadia quattro
cooking with laetitia
Pictured: Icy rows at Highlands Vineyard.
“...excited about the 2015 wines...get in line 3 quick...though, there is not a lot to go around...�
cellar update with eric hickey
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Eric Hickey, Head Winemaker 2015 – The harvest that never was. As you may or may not have heard by now, most of California was plagued with a light crop. We were no different. To put it in perspective, we crushed approximately half of what we did in 2014. The grapes came in fast and before we knew it, harvest was over. In fact, this is the first time in 20 years I was able to take a vacation in the month of October. But enough lamenting. The important question – how is the quality? I am very pleased to say that quality is high, especially on Pinot Noir. The wines are dense, dark and carry great acidity. We were also able to pick at lower sugar levels so the alcohol is not overwhelming. I am very excited about the 2015 wines. Better get in line quick for them though, there is not a lot to go around………. Pictured: Looking up out of an empty tank.
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riddling the racks with dave hickey ............................................................
Dave Hickey, Sparkling Winemaker In the world of wine, sparkling wine is sometimes treated as an unwanted step-child. So it’s great when an event like Bubbly Fest by the Sea comes around. People have a chance to taste not only locally made sparklers, but also sparklers from around the world. Here at Laetitia we had the privilege of hosting a “Sparkling Excursion-ar”. In case you’re wondering, that’s an excursion and a seminar all in one. When our visitors arrived, we greeted them with a sabering demonstration on the tasting room lawn, and then went into the Press Room to discuss our very unique Coquard basket presses. After that it was down into the cellar for more discussions about how our sparkling wines are made, aged, riddled and disgorged. More followed as our guests were shuttled up to the Estate House for a tasting and discussion of our 7 sparkling wines, followed by lunch near the pool overlooking the vineyards. It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun for all! Be sure to look for another Laetitia “Sparkling Excursion-ar” at next year’s Bubbly Fest by the Sea. 5
Pictured: The 2013 Brut Rosé, freshly disgorged, awaiting release.
“When our visitors arrived, we greeted them with a sabering demonstration...� 6
Pictured: Winter at Santa Barbara HighlandsVineyard.
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“However, over the last 12 years a decoding has been occurring...�
in the vines with LINO BOZZANO ................................................................
Lino Bozzano, VP of Vineyard Operations A lot has changed since my first harvest in 2004. Much of Laetitia had just been planted and we were still unsure what types of wines would come from the new blocks. Ironically, 2004 was the first vintage for me and a lot of the young Pinot Noir plantings. I vividly remember always having my block map with me during that first year. The ranch was new to me. I identified everything as block, variety, clone and rootstock. However, over the last 12 years a decoding has been occurring, through 12 years of different weather patterns, vintages, and challenges, I now identify with this vineyard all its different personalities. Essentially, names have been put to the faces. Instead of V1, V2, X1a, ZZ2b, etc, we now have Galets, Coupelle, Colline, Campodonico, Otro Lado del Freeway, Piccacho, The Syrah, Old Vines, Los N’s (pronounced enae) and of course there will always be Block Y.
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Pictured: Bottling line.
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“...as hawks take first flight and a glimpse of the coyotes retreating up the hillsides...�
Featured Employee:
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jason sachs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jason Sachs is a staple in the Laetitia family. He is the kind of guy who always has a smile on his face and a kind word to share. He has been with us since August of 2005 and below is his reflection on his time with us and his daily duties. We appreciate you, Jason! Performing the tasks as Industrial Maintenance Technician for Laetitia Winery entails such a wide variety that no two days are the same. Entrusted with maintaining the facilities structures and machinery provides an array of daily skills including: electrical, mechanical, plumbing and the list goes on and on. For ten years, my days start with bringing the production facility online and preventative inspections throughout multiple departments. The morning inspections usually bring me into the vineyard as the sun rises, from behind our local foothills. As the day breaks, I am treated with amazing sunrises as hawks take first flight and a glimpse of the coyotes retreating up the hillsides...all this and a paycheck too. With many years of familiarizing ourselves with equipment within our facilities, I am proud to say I feel our maintenance team has become proficient in maintaining the equipment required for all departments to achieve daily goals. This achievement has been made possible because of the friendly, cooperative efforts put forth by all departments as well as the feeling of appreciation instilled from management. This, my friends, is what I have come to know as, Team Laetitia... For me, outside the workplace is a time for family togetherness. Out in the wilderness or at home with true friends, these are moments to be cherished. What better a way to acknowledge these moments than with a round of NADIA Trio raised high with salutations and smiles...
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Sparkling club
2013 Laetitia Brut Rosé Lush berries explode from the glass while secondary notes of warm bread dough and crushed macadamia nut compliment this vibrant sparkler. With quenching acidity and parting notes of watermelon rind and lemon chiffon, this Rosé is an excellent candidate for pairing with briny seafood or a cherry tomato and basil puff pastry. Retail $30.00 Club $21.00 2012 Laetitia Brut de Blancs A thoughtful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, this lively sparkler shows bright flavors of grapefruit pith, lime blossom and kiwi fruit. Clean and focused, the wine finishes with delicate white tea, crushed stone and buttered toast nuances. Retail $32.00 Club $22.40 2011 Laetitia Cuvée M Our proprietary blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, the Cuvée M is known for its beautiful pale, golden straw color and superb balance. Notes of fresh white peach and macadamia nuts combine with Tahitian lime blossom for a wine with lively acidity and invigorating minerality. This wine finishes with accents of crisp pastry dough and creamy mascarpone cheese. Retail $40.00 Club $28.00 2011 Laetitia Brut Coquard In the glass, the Brut Coquard shows a brilliant golden color. When it greets the palate, it comes to life with creamy layers of hazelnut and toast, carrying fruit flavors of spiced pear and rich cherry. As it glides across the palate, lively bubbles and subtle vanilla highlights finish with fresh acidity and lemon-lime vibrance. Retail $40.00 Club $28.00 11
Pinot Noir club 2013 Laetitia Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Our ‘black sheep’ of the Laetitia Pinot Noir family, the Whole Cluster has made a name for itself for its beautiful red-purple hue, grippy mouthfeel and old world notes of rose petal, spiced black cherry and Earl Grey tea with perfectly integrated tannins and acidity. It has been said that this wine has a magical “je ne sais quoi.” Retail $42.00 Club $29.40 2013 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir Deep garnet color and initial aromas of cherry cola and Shiitake mushroom, the Reserve Pinot Noir is known for its silken texture and seamless integration of finegrain tannin, complexity and balance. Expect crushed red raspberry and cherry flavors on the palate complimented by elements of soy, sweet smoke and savory herbs. Retail $42.00 Club $29.40 2013 Laetitia Black Label Pinot Noir (2) Every year when we harvest our 400+ acres of Pinot Noir, there are small lots of fruit that stand out amongst their fellow crop. These selections are taken aside and fermented alone to capture the essence of naturally superior fruit. The lots turn out one to two barrels of amazingly well balanced, structured, deep Pinot Noir. Retail $60.00 Club $42.00
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Mixed CLUB 2013 Laetitia Brut Rosé Lush berries explode from the glass while secondary notes of warm bread dough and crushed macadamia nut compliment this vibrant sparkler. With quenching acidity and parting notes of watermelon rind and lemon chiffon, this Rosé is an excellent candidate for pairing with briny seafood or a cherry tomato and basil puff pastry. Retail $30.00 Club $21.00 2013 NADIA Trio A symphony of opulent black cherry, Earl Grey tea and bittersweet chocolate, this 2013 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot speaks to Winemaker Eric Hickey’s exemplary understanding of balance. Well-integrated tannin and symmetrical acidity add to the full character of this sumptuous red blend finishing with notes of rich cedar and dried violets. Retail $38.00 Club $26.60 2014 Laetitia Clone 828 Pinot Noir Our Clone 828 is a distinguished example of this attractive clone originating in the Dijon Region of Eastern France. Intoxicating smoke and delicate truffle make way for sumptuous notes of dried rose petal, sassafras and deep black currant. This medium-bodied wine with smooth, polished tannins pairs well with oven-baked salmon filets and roasted mushrooms with herbs. Retail $34.00 Club $23.80 2013 NADIA Mesa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon This first-ever bottling of Mesa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is focused and supple in nature and highlights the true uniqueness of the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. This single vineyard reserve bottling unveils aromas of blackcurrant fruit offset by notes of juniper berry, cardamom and a touch of orange peel. Opulent in mouth feel, this wine boasts sound acidity, firm tannins and a whisper of sweet oak giving this wine a soft but lasting finish. Retail $75.00 Club $52.50 13
Red club
2014 Laetitia Clone 828 Pinot Noir Our Clone 828 is a distinguished example of this attractive clone originating in the Dijon Region of Eastern France. Intoxicating smoke and delicate truffle make way for sumptuous notes of dried rose petal, sassafras and deep black currant. This medium-bodied wine with smooth, polished tannins pairs well with oven-baked salmon filets and roasted mushrooms with herbs. Retail $34.00 Club $23.80 2013 NADIA Quattro Juicy notes of dark berry and black cherry are in perfect harmony with balancing layers of graphite, violets and black peppercorn. Barrel-aged influences of vanilla, espresso and cedar round out this food approachable wine. This wine is ‘giving’ on the palate, and further, we are giving $1 from the sale of each bottle to two local charities each year! Retail $35.00 Club $24.50 2013 NADIA Trio A symphony of opulent black cherry, Earl Grey tea and bittersweet chocolate, this 2013 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot speaks to Winemaker Eric Hickey’s exemplary understanding of balance. Well-integrated tannin and symmetrical acidity add to the full character of this sumptuous red blend finishing with notes of rich cedar and dried violets. Retail $38.00 Club $26.60 2013 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir Deep garnet color and initial aromas of cherry cola and Shiitake mushroom, the Reserve Pinot Noir is known for its silken texture and seamless integration of finegrain tannin, complexity and balance. Expect crushed red raspberry and cherry flavors on the palate complimented by elements of soy, sweet smoke and savory herbs. Retail $42.00 Club $29.40 14
White club 2013 NADIA White Aromatic waves of white lilies, citrus oil and hazelnut emerge from the glass in this blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier. Round in mouth feel with adequate weight and mineral flavors framed with honeycomb, graham cracker and Meyer Lemon crispness. This blend has spicy flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon; fullbodied and supple, perfect for rich seafood dishes with creamy sauces. Retail $30.00 Club $21.00 2014 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Chardonnay (2) A noticeably richer Chardonnay, the 2014 Reserve displays core flavors of crisp green apple, ripe yellow plum and lemon drop. Good concentration and a golden straw hue, this Chardonnay offers a smoky, spicy anise character that weaves through the notes of honeysuckle and sweet corn. Flavorful and delicious, the wine brings the richness of honey and the rigor of minerality into thoughtful balance. Retail $30.00 Club $21.00 2014 Laetitia Clone 17 Chardonnay An original clone of Robert Young’s from Wente, the Clone 17 finds beautiful expression when grown on Laetitia’s coastal bench lands. Aromas of ripe stone fruit and lemon curd leap from the glass, while wet stone minerality, juicy kiwi and toasted meringue weave throughout this well-balanced Chardonnay. Look to pair with prosciutto wrapped honeydew melon. Retail $32.00 Club $22.40 15
2011 Laetitia Cuvée M International Wine Review - 92 Points 2013 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir • 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition Gold Medal • Bicycling Magazine - 7 Best Wines to Enjoy After a Ride 2013 Laetitia Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Vinous - 91 Points
Awards & Accolades
2011 Laetitia Brut Coquard International Wine Review - 92 Points
October 2015-Daily Pilot-Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival feeds thousands September 2015-International Wine Review-Laetitia: Superb Sparkling Wines from Arroyo Grande September 2015-Atascadero News-A Taste Sensation SAVOR the Central Coast September 2015-Vault 29-#Wine Country’s Busiest Time of Year, #Harvest2015: @Laetitia_Winery September 2015-The Bubbly Blog-From Grape to Bottle: The Coquard Chronicles August/September 2015-Sommelier Journal-The Central Coast Takes Manhattan *To read these articles online visit www.laetitiawine.com/awards-and-accolades/
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happenings
.............................................................................. Winter in the Vineyard • Friday, December 4th 11:00AM-7:00PM Our annual all-day open house featuring special offerings on our wines, a gift wrapping station, live music and olive oil tasting. Come visit us during this beautiful time of year and make your holiday shopping easy! (Also a great time to pick up your wines, Wine Club Members!) No reservations needed. Wine Club Pick-Up Party • Wednesday, January 13th OR Thursday, January 14th 5:30-7:00PM Wine Club Members, join us for a casual evening where you can taste the wines in your December Club, pick up your wines and enjoy live music along with pizza and salad. Free of Charge Guests must be 21 and over, Wine Club only. Call 805.474.7641 or email wineclub@laetitiawine.com to reserve your spot. Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Pairing • Thursday, February 11th 5:30-7:00PM A romantic event to indulge the senses. Enjoy 4 wines alongside a Fromagerie Sophie cheese and Mama Ganache chocolate pairing for each. We will also have on display artwork from the many talented Laetitia employees. $35/Wine Club: $25 Guests must be 21 and over. Call 805.474.7641 or email wineclub@laetitiawine.com to reserve your spot. Sparkling Winemaker Dinner • Saturday, March 19th 6:30-9:00PM One of our most popular dinners year after year, our Sparkling Winemaker Dinner is an annual dinner hosted by Sparkling Winemaker, Dave Hickey, at the Laetitia Estate House. We solely feature our sparking wines alongside a local chef ’s culinary creations for an evening to remember. $140/Wine Club: $130 Guests must be 21 and over. Call 805.474.7641 or email wineclub@laetitiawine.com to reserve your spot. 17
RSVP to our events by calling 805.474.7641. Limited availability, guests must be 21+.18
featured wine
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Nadia Quattro 40% Cabernet Sauvignon ∙ 25% Tempranillo 25% Grenache ∙ 10% Petite Sirah
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We are thrilled to announce the release of our 2013 NADIA Quattro! We are especially excited about the promise of this vintage, with it’s marked similarities to that of the 2012 vintage. The vines enjoyed a little more warmth, which translated into a slightly heavier than ideal crop. To retain balance and even ripening, we balanced the crop load by dropping a percentage of the fruit on the ground and we’re glad we did. We also took an extra measure in 2013 and added more cross arms to our trellis system, lending dimpled lighting for a cooler fruit zone with even ripening, ideal color and no sunburn. As a result, the Quattro blend is beautifully expressive, balanced and extracted. All lots of the wines destined for the Quattro blend were destemmed and crushed in 5 and 10 ton fermentors. Maceration was extended to 30 days to soften tannins and develop complexity. Mid-way through fermentation, the wine was racked and returned to maximize color and extraction. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Grenache and Petite Sirah were all crushed and fermented separately and blended at 10 months, then returned to barrel for an additional 10 months of aging. We finished the blend off with 18 months of aging time in 30% new French oak, 20% new American oak and the remaining 50% in neutral French oak. What really makes this wine special, is that it marks the second year of our first-ever charitable wine! We carefully select two local non-profits each year and split a dollar from the sale of each bottle between the two. Last year we donated to our local Woods Humane Society and Family Care Network and with this vintage we are donating the designated proceeds to the San Luis Obispo chapters of Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. Last year we produced 450 cases of the Quattro and this year we are releasing 740 cases. That means we will donate a whopping $4,440 to each charity this year! We are so grateful to have had such a supportive community (and wine club members!) behind us for all these years (30+!) and we feel even luckier to have the opportunity to give back to this community. After all, we are only as successful as our patrons and community members are. Do you have suggestions for our next charities? Drop us a line at info@laetitiawine.com, we’d love to hear from you! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cooking with laetitia
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Triple Berry Pie
Pie Crust Ingredients • • • • • • • •
Serves 8
12 oz. all-purpose flour 1 pinch salt 3 oz. unsalted butter 3 oz. shortening ¼ cup sour cream ½ cup ice water 1 raw egg whisked for brushing on pie top 3 packets Sugar in the Raw
Pie Crust Directions Gently rub flour with salt, butter and shortening together. Add sour cream and ice water; gently knead until all ingredients are folded into the dough without over mixing. Place in a bowl. Cover dough with a moist towel or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for an hour. Pie Filling Ingredients • • • • • •
12 oz. fresh blackberries 12 oz. fresh raspberries 12 oz. fresh blueberries 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup granulated tapioca ¼ cup NADIA Tawny Port
Pie Filling Directions Fold all ingredients together carefully. Spray a pie or tart pan with coating spray. Roll approximately ½ of the dough to cover bottom or pie pan. Add berry mixture. 21
Pie Filling Directions Cont. Cover with remaining dough and crimp around the edges. Cut a Âź inch cross in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with raw brown sugar. Bake at 375 degrees with convection on for 15 minutes then reduce to 350 and bake until berry mixture starts bubbling, approximately 40-45 minutes. Cool before serving. I usually serve it with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Recipe courtesy of our employee, Riley Cable. She has worked for Laetitia for the past two and a half years and loves to cook and bake in her downtime. This recipe was handed down from her mom and fellow Laetitia wine lover, Michele Cable. This pie is definitely a favorite among the Cable family and always has a place at the table during the holidays. Enjoy a slice with vanilla ice cream and a glass of NADIA Port and savor this season like a Cable. Pictured(L to R): Lauren, Michele, Scott & Riley
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wine club customer reorder form Please complete your customer information and write the quantity of bottles desired next to the wine(s). You may also call-in your order to (888) 809-8463, email it to wineclub@laetitiawine.com, or mail this form back to: Laetitia Vineyard & Winery - Attn: Wine Club 453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Club Member’s Name (first and last):_ ________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Do you need to update your address or credit card information? Yes___No___ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
December Wine Club Order Price List* Sparkling Wines: 2013 Laetitia Brut Rosé 2012 Laetitia Brut de Blancs 2011 Laetitia Cuvée M 2011 Laetitia Brut Coquard
$21.00 $22.40 $28.00 $28.00
White Wines: 2013 NADIA White 2014 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Chardonnay 2014 Laetitia Clone 17 Chardonnay
$21.00 ___ $21.00 ___ $22.40 ___
Red Wines: 2014 Laetitia Clone 828 Pinot Noir 2013 NADIA Quattro 2013 NADIA Trio 2013 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir 2013 Laetitia Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2013 Laetitia Black Label Pinot Noir 2013 NADIA Mesa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
$23.80 $24.50 $26.60 $29.40 $29.40 $42.00 $52.50
For a complete list of wines, visit our websites: laetitiawine.com & nadiawine.com. *Prices will be honored through December 31, 2015. Form must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2015.
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