laetitia VINEYARD & WINERY
SEPTEMBER 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
LAETITIA ON THE
ROAD
featured employee club contents awards & accolades
happenings
a day in the life: night harvester
cooking with laetitia
Pictured: Chardonnay night harvesting.
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“...the real impact of the drought appears to be in the crop size itself.�
cellar update with eric hickey
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Eric Hickey, Head Winemaker The most popular question this year is no doubt – “How will the drought affect the vines/wines in 2015?” It’s obviously a very good question. When you look across our ranches, the lack of water is in some cases very evident and in other cases, not so much. Although we have plenty of water coming from our wells that allow us to provide water to the vines, the effects of not having natural rain water flushing through the soils in high volumes can be seen, usually in the canopy where there can be some stunting of growth. Some blocks are feeling it, some are just fine. But the real impact of the drought appears to be in the crop size itself. We are definitely seeing a smaller crop with smaller berries. This again is not vineyard wide, but is a theme across most of our varieties, Pinot Noir being most affected due to it naturally being a small cluster with smaller berries to begin with. All we can say to ourselves is – oh well, it’s farming. But, there may be a silver lining. As we know, in many cases, smaller clusters and berries can make more intense wines. It’s not a rule, but time will tell once we start crushing grapes. So stay tuned on the 2015 vintage and let’s hope for some rain (after harvest…).
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riddling the racks with dave hickey ............................................................
Dave Hickey, Sparkling Winemaker Imagine yourself down in the damp caves of Champagne 150 years ago. The dim candlelight reveals neatly stacked bottles of champagne lining some caves and completely filling others. Up ahead you see a branch of the caves filled with riddling racks holding 120 precious bottles each. Workers are removing bottles from the racks, placing them in a cart “sur point” (with the cork pointing downward) and taking them to the man responsible for removing the yeast sediment from the bottle - “Le Degorguer”. His job is very important. He must carefully open the bottles and allow the yeast to be blown out, but not allow an excessive amount of the liquid gold - the wine - to go with it. If done incorrectly, his is a job that could cost the winery a lot of money. In one smooth motion he carefully grabs a bottle, places his plier-like tool on the cork, and begins to pry the cork from the bottle as he turns the bottle upright. POW! The cork is blown from the bottle and the yeast with it. Then he allows just a slight amount of wine to gush out, removing any of the lingering yeast. He hands the bottle over to his partner to add the dosage, insert a new cork, and fit a wire cage. Repeat this process thousands and thousands of times. Practice makes perfect and like a master pianist, “Le Degorguer” rarely misses a beat. 5
Pictured: Pommace left after pressing Chardonnay for sparkling wine.
“Practice makes perfect and like a master pianist, “Le Degorguer” rarely misses a beat.” 6
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laetitia on the road We recently made our way to New York for an exclusive Laetitia Winemaker Dinner at the infamous James Beard House. We were paired with Thomas Hill Organics of Paso Robles, CA for a one-of-a-kind experience highlighting all that the Central Coast has to offer. The dinner was a smashing success and included a beautiful line-up of food and wine pairings including: Liberty Farms Duck Breast and Leg Confit with Beluga Lentils, Montana Huckleberries, Navel Oranges, and Petite Salad paired with Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir 2013* and D’Anjou Pear Mille-Feuille with Pear Mousse, Pear Brandy Butterscotch, and Almond Toffee paired with Laetitia Brut Rosé 2012* The crowd – a mix of foodies and oenophiles both professional and amateur – included Wine Enthusiast Deputy Editor Mike Dawson and Esther Mobley with Wine Spectator. To get to the back patio for hors d’oeuvres and Laetitia Brut Cuvée NV*, guests walked directly through the kitchen where Chef Manning and his team were hard at work preparing for the evening. Later, everyone was seated at tables staggered throughout the dining room where James Beard entertained guests and fomented the American food revolution of the 1960s and 70s along with the likes of tastemakers like Julia Child and M.F.K. Fisher. Eric, Nadia and Lino each spoke a bit about the Central Coast, the vines, and Laetitia’s extreme proximity to the Pacific Ocean. As course after course emerged from the kitchen and wine after beautiful wine was poured, the consensus among those seated on the floor was that the Central Coast and Laetitia in particular, are putting out some of the highest quality wines in the world. A recap on the dinner was recently featured in The Somm Journal Magazine. Head to their website at sommjournal.com to read more. Although James Beard couldn’t be with us – we know he was there in spirit. What an honor it was to be there! *Both wines above are featured at 30% off for club members through the month of Septermber. 8
Pictured: Tractor hauling picked fruit.
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“Andres’ favorite part of his job is working with the tractors.”
Featured Employee:
andres rojas-mendez. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Andres Rojas-Mendez has been working with us since February of 2004 and boy, has he learned a lot since he started with us! Working as a Data Technician, Andres is responsible for various vineyard tasks including cluster counting used for yield estimation and collection of nutrient tissue samples as well as pest management. Since working at Laetitia, he has learned how to use our harvesters, weed machines and pressure chambers, which measure plant water status for irrigation scheduling. Andres’ favorite part of his job is working with the tractors, counting and scheduling the irrigation needs of the vineyard. He tells us that it is very rewarding to see his well cared for fruit come off the vine at the end of harvest each year (and to see how accurate his yield estimates were)! In his free time, Andres enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children. They spend their time BBQing, watching soccer, visiting the beach and local parks. Andres grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico and while he loves to go home to visit, he loves the weather and laid-back lifestyle on the Central Coast. When asked his favorite wine, Andres tells us that he enjoys the fruit forward style of our Estate Pinot Noir with his home cooked BBQ chicken. We thank Andres for his 11 years of work with us and applaud his hard work caring for our vines.
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Sparkling club
Non-Vintage Laetitia Brut Cuvée Gala apple, streams of bubbles and soft melon notes meet to create this festive sparkling wine comprised of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, respectively. Lemon chiffon and sultry pear framed by freshly baked challah bread come forward on second approach of our house sparkling wine, great for pairing with pork with an apple-celery root slaw or our winemaker’s favorite: potato chips. Retail $25.00 Club $17.50 2012 Laetitia Brut Rosé Beads of tiny bubbles and aromas of flaky pastry crust and fresh herbs, robed in lush cherries and citrus blooms mark the 2012 vintage of the Brut Rosé. Crisp and celebratory, this sparkling is as beautiful as it is tantalizing, recognizable by its salmon-colored hue and its smooth, clean and dry finish. Retail $30.00 Club $21.00 2012 Laetitia Brut de Noirs This rich bubble is proof that you can get your point across without raising your voice. Lush notes of crushed raspberry, orange rind and currant are interwoven with tones of cocoa powder and vanilla meringue. A soft, creamy finish and seamless integration make this a favorite among our most discerning sparkling fans. Retail $32.00 Club $22.40 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 is 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 Clone 5 Pommard Pinot Noir One of the first French clones to come to California, the Clone 5 shows classic cherry and tart rhubarb flavors. Old world in style, this wine is known for its jammy, pie-like characters along with ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long, lingering finish. Retail $34.00 Club $23.80 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 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 2012 NADIA Trio Lovely black cherry red with tawny accents. Flavors of cedar, chocolate and cranberries with slightly angular tannins finish with strong fruit, subtle spice and the lingering promise of growing complexity. Retail $38.00 Club $26.60 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 13
Red club
2013 NADIA GSM Blend Complex, supple and intriguing, our 2013 GSM Blend introduces sultry notes of stewed strawberry, balsamic glaze and a dash of pepper. Secondary notes of wild game, cola and freshly bloomed violet, this Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend leaves behind a medium-long finish with ripe tannins chock-full of food pairing options. Retail $25.00 Club $17.50 2012 NADIA Cabernet Sauvignon Wild blackberry and forest floor notes enthusiastically emerge from the glass as sweet cigar smoke and perfumed violet weave throughout. Layers of chocolate covered cherries, anise and salty sea air are underscored by rich cedar with firm, yet supple tannin unwinding through time in the glass. Look to pair with a bison burger topped with sautéed mushrooms. Retail $35.00 Club $24.50 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 14
White club 2013 NADIA White (2) Aromatic waves of white lilies, citrus oils 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 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
• Wine Spectator 10 California Sparkling Wines • Wine Spectator Sparkling Wine Values from Around the World • Wine Enthusiast 10 All-American Sparkling Wines Under $30 • 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition Double Gold Medal, 98 Points • 2015 Cincinnati International Wine Festival Gold Medal
Awards & Accolades
NV Laetitia Brut Cuvée
2012 Laetitia Brut Rosé 2015 Central Coast Wine Competition 2013 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir • 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition Gold Medal 2012 NADIA Trio • Wine Enthusiast - 90 Points 2012 NADIA Cabernet Sauvignon • Wine Enthusiast - 92 Points • 2015 Houston Rodeo International Wine Competition Double Gold Medal, Class Champion • 2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition Double Gold Medal, 96 Points 16
happenings
.............................................................................. Wine Club Pick Up Party • Wednesday, September 16th OR Thursday, September 17th 5:30-7:00PM Wine Club Members, please join us for a casual evening where you can taste the wines in your September Club, pick up your shipments and enjoy some light fare on us! This is a great time to take advantage of your 30% discount! Club Members can choose to attend one of the dates above. Reservations required, limited space available. Free of Charge (Wine Club Only, 21 & over) Pinot & Paella • Saturday, September 19th 3:00-5:00PM A casual summer afternoon on the Laetitia Estate House lawn, where we feature various seasonal paellas prepared outdoors by a local chef alongside Laetitia & NADIA Wines for a perfect al fresco summer meal. Reservations required, limited space available. $45/Wine Club: $40 (21 & over) Harvest Celebration Winemaker Dinner • Saturday, November 6th 6:30-9:00PM A celebratory dinner honoring the completion of harvest inside the Laetitia Estate House. Hosted by Head Winemaker Eric Hickey, he has carefully chosen from his portfolio of wines to offer his best new releases, paired alongside the culinary creations of Chef Brian Collins of Ember Restaurant. Reservations required, limited space available. $140/Wine Club: $130 (21 & over) 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. Fall Music Sessions 17
Check our website for our Fall music schedule.
RSVP to our events by calling 805.474.7641. Limited availability, guests must be 21+.18
a day in the life of a
Night-Harvester
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Harvest can be a busy and disorienting time of the year. I say “disorienting” because it marks a shift where we begin working during the nighttime rather than during the day. We harvest during the night because the cool temperatures and lack of sunshine protect the compositional integrity of the fruit. Most times the fruit is picked and crushed without ever seeing the light of day. Although working during the nighttime is good for the fruit and wine, it can be sometimes difficult on mind and body, at least for the first week until you are able to get into the rhythm of it all. So, I guess for anyone interested in knowing what goes on in a viticulturist’s life during harvest, I will share. Laetitia’s night harvest begins at 8:00PM. I usually like to show up at 7:30PM so that I can change from my tennis shoes into my work boots. It also gives me a chance to look over paperwork, change flashlight batteries and surf the internet. The next four hours entail harvesting, coordinating the movement of crews between blocks, paperwork, weighing bins of harvested fruit, and paperwork. At around midnight, I like to eat a hamburger and Snickers bar with Crew Leaders Rigo, Rufino, and Chuy. Sometimes Chuy tells a joke. After lunch, it is back to harvesting, coordinating, and paperwork. When the night’s harvest is finished at about 4:30AM, I drive back to my place in San Luis Obispo. I like to watch the news for about 15 minutes before making my way to the shower and eventually bed. If my blinds are shut tight preventing light to enter the room, and none of my neighbors turn on a leaf blower or decide to re-roof their house or throw a slip-n-slide party, I can sleep until about 10:30 or 11:00AM. By this time I am ready for some breakfast and coffee. During breakfast, I give Dustin (cellar supervisor) a call to talk about the previous night’s fruit and juice quality after it is crushed and in the tank. After breakfast, I like to get in the ocean or walk the Avila Ridge Trail. Sometimes I will meet up with some friends for lunch. Either way, it’s good to let some sunshine hit your face-if for nothing else, just to feel more centered. I usually make it back home by 3:00PM and do some reading and make some phone calls. At 4, I take a quick 30 minute nap and then wake up and watch some Netflix. After that, it’s time to get ready for work and I’m back at the vineyard by 7:30PM. I really can’t say whether I prefer working days or nights, I am kind of back and forth on the whole thing. However, when you are able to taste the quality of the wine from night harvested Laetitia Pinot, it makes it all wothwhile. Viticulturist Dave Terry(pictured right) holds a Masters of Science Degree in Viticulture from CSU Fresno.
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Cooking with laetitia
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Ingredients • • • • •
Ahi Poke Napoleon
1/2 lb. ahi tuna steak, cut 1/4” x 1/4” 8 oz. Tuna Poke Dressing (see recipe below) 3 cups Guacamole (see recipe below) 8 tbsp. argula microgreens 2 ring molds (2 1/2” wide x 3”)
Tuna Poke Dressing • 1/3 cup sesame oil • 1/3 cup soy sauce • 3/4 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced • 3/4 tbsp. chipotle pepper paste • 1 lime, halved and juiced
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Serves 8
1 tbsp. shallot, minched 4 tsp. cilantro, washed and finely chopped 4 tsp. parsley, washed and finely chopped 4 tbsp. capers
Directions In a clear mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together with a wire whip. Stir before each use when blending with the tuna. Guacamole • 2 avocados, pitted, skinned and diced 1/4” • 1/2 cup yellow onions, finely diced • 1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded and minced • 1 cup ripe tomato, diced small • 2 limes, halved and juiced
• 2 tsp. kosher salt • 1/2 cup green onions, bias cut 1/4” • 1 pinch cayenne pepper • 1 tsp. coarse ground black pepper • 1/4 cup cilantro, washed and chopped
Directions Cut all items according to specifications. Gently fold together all ingredients and place into a clean storage container. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the guacamole so that no air gets in until ready to serve. 21
Tuna Poke Plating Instructions In a clean mixing bowl, gently mix all ingredients together except for the guacamole. Toss well to coat the tuna evenly. Begin to build the molds starting with the guacamole at 1 1/2 oz; add 1 1/2 oz. of the tuna, then 1 1/2 oz. more of the guacamole and finish with 1 1/2 oz. of the tuna. Garnish with 1 tbsp. of the argula microgreens and thin pieces of flatbread if desired. Gently remove the ring. Serve with crisp tortilla chips.
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Recipe courtesy of club members Patti and Jim Hughes. They have lived on the Central Coast for the last 7 years and before that enjoyed the Hawaiian breezes on Kauai, where they became accustomed to the fresh local fish. This recipe combines two of their favorites - Ahi and avacado. Add that with Laetitia sparkling, golfing and gardening and you have a weekend with the Hughes’!
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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___ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
September Wine Club Order Price List* Sparkling Wines: Non-Vintage Laetitia Brut Cuvée 2012 Laetitia Brut Rosé 2012 Laetitia Brut de Noirs 2011 Laetitia Brut Coquard
$17.50 $21.00 $22.40 $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: 2013 NADIA GSM Blend 2013 Laetitia Clone 5 Pommard Pinot Noir 2012 NADIA Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 NADIA Trio 2013 Laetitia Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2013 Laetitia Reserve du Domaine Pinot Noir 2013 Laetitia Black Label Pinot Noir
$17.50 $23.80 $24.50 $26.60 $29.40 $29.40 $42.00
For a complete list of wines, visit our websites: laetitiawine.com & nadiawine.com. *Prices will be honored through September 30, 2015. Form must be postmarked on or before September 30, 2015.
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