La Merika, a rapidly growing producer of award-winning wines from California’s Central Coast, announces the addition of a Monterey Pinot Grigio to the portfolio, including La Merika Central Coast Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
On the heels of consecutive double-digit growth years in dollar sales according to Nielson (Total US Food, Drug & Liquor, 52 weeks ending 2/1/14), the introduction of La Merika 2013 Monterey Pinot Grigio is positioned to encourage continued consumer enthusiasm for California’s burgeoning Central Coast winegrowing region.
For Monterey County, the 2013 vintage delivered ideal growing conditions producing fruit of exceptional quality across the board. A dry winter and mild spring set the stage for a long growing season, which allowed the Pinot Grigio to ripen slowly, developing bright aromatics and balanced acidity. Cool breezes and fog in the summer months prolonged harvest, which resulted in complex flavors, marking 2013 as a memorable vintage for the Central Coast’s Monterey appellation.
La Merika 2013 Pinot Grigio was harvested in the cool, early morning hours to preserve the fruit’s delicate aromas and flavors. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were gently pressed into stainless steel tanks to cold settle overnight. The juice was then racked into a second set of stainless steel tanks where the temperatures were raised and various yeasts added to begin fermentation. At the completion of fermentation, all lots were tasted blind before final blending and bottling.
Featuring a Stelvin closure, La Merika Pinot Grigio showcases the virtue of Monterey’s cool-climate influence, delivering a crisp and refreshing expression with enticing aromas of orange blossom and bright fruit flavors of white peach, pear and nectarine on the palate.
The inaugural 2013 vintage of La Merika Monterey Pinot Grigio is now available for distribution nationwide for a suggested retail price of $12.99.
About La Merika
Launched in 2011, La Merika is crafted by Delicato Family Vineyards, a family-owned California winery founded in 1924 and is a key brand within the company’s Sam Jasper Portfolio focused on emerging, innovative brands. For three generations, the Indelicato family has maintained a steadfast commitment to crafting and representing wines of the highest quality produced in accordance with sustainable winegrowing practices. La Merika, named in celebration of the bright star that led ancient mariners to the discovery of America, invites wine enthusiasts to explore and discover California’s Central Coast appellation with La Merika wines. For more information please visit www.lamerika.com
