UNCORKED : Mirassou: A nightcap and bedtime story
Posted on Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Recently over lunch with David Mirassou of Mirassou Winery in California, I was captivated by stories about his family’s rich, winemaking history.
The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and making wine since 1854 and can boast the title as the oldest winemaking family in the state. As with most pioneer winemakers, it began when the first generation arrived from Europe with only a dream and enthusiastic ambition. David told of his greatgreat-great-grandfather’s voyage to America with evident pride and excitement. His grandfather was set on bringing French vine cuttings to be a part of his first plantings in the New World. While on the long journey, the water supply on the boat diminished, and the captain ordered that it could be used only for drinking. Rather than risk losing his dream, he kept his treasured vines alive by inserting his cuttings in potatoes he purchased onboard the ship.
The Mirassou family business thrived through many years of America’s turbulent wine history — Prohibition, phylloxera, the Great Depression and even urbanization. It was fourth-generation vintner Edmund Mirassou who recognized the changing landscape of California and moved the Mirassou Vineyards to Monterey County.
Today, it is David Mirassou, the sixth-generation vintner, who carries the torch for the family winery. One might think it would be a tough job filling the shoes of his long line of successful predecessors, but knowing David’s dedication, I would say the business is in great hands.
Rarely do you find a winery with a portfolio that falls solely in the Value category, but with each Mirassou wine retailing for a mere $ 10, you can splurge only if you buy a case ! These were a few of my favorites THE VALUES 2006 Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $ 10, retail ) 2006 Mirassou Pinot Noir, California (about $ 10, retail ) 2006 Mirassou Merlot, California (about $ 10, retail ) 2006 Mirassou Pinot Grigio, California (about $ 10, retail ) Lorri Hambuchen has a diploma in wine and spirits from London ’ s Wine and Spirits Education Trust and is a member of London’s Institute of Wines and Spirits. Send questions or comments to her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P. O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail uncorked@mac. com
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
