We visited the Sattui Winery on the last couple trips to Napa and it is a lovely place for a picnic.
Vittorio Sattui arrived in 1882 from Italy in San Francisco with Kattarina, his new bride, to begin their life in America. Born in Genoa, Vittorio, like his father, was a baker from the small hilltown of Carsi. Vittorio worked in San Francisco as a baker, making wine in his spare time, Kattarina took in washing. Soon the Sattui family saved enough money to start a boarding house in the Italian colony of North Beach.
Vittorio served his wine to the patrons at the boarding house. The reputation of Vittorio’s wines allowed him to quit the bakery by 1885, and devote himself to his passion, winemaking. He established a thriving commercial venture called St. Helena Wine Cellars, after the small, Napa Valley town were he personally selected the grapes during the harvest and haul them by horse-drawn wagon to Napa for ferrytransfer to San Francisco.
Vittorio always said, “there is nothing like St. Helena grapes!”
Winemaker: Brooks Painter, since 2005 Director of Winemaking at V. Sattui Winery, is responsible for the winery’s portfolio of 45 different wines as well as grape growing and viticultural operations. Supervising the estate vineyards 230 acres as well as contracts/grower relations with outside growers. He is responsible for growing or sourcing ultra-premium varietals from throughout California, and the winery’s steady stream of accolades substantiates his expertise.
What to Taste
2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc –
Sourced from two Napa Valley vineyards, this beautifully structured Sauvignon Blanc has balanced acidity along with a subtle grassiness and fig-like quality. Pairs wonderfully with chicken Caesar salad.
2003 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon –
This blockbuster Rutherford bench Cabernet has a dense core of blackberry, olive and black licorice on the palate with ample tannins, good acidity and a lingering fruit finish.
Monastero di Coriano Grappa –
Fruity, clean and smooth this artisinal Grappa, a handsome eau de vie, is distilled from the pomace-grape skins and seeds left in press after the wine has been removed-for making our Italian Cabernet.
Address
Street: 1111 White Lane
City: St. Helena, CA 94574
State,Zip: CA 94574
Country: United States
Contact
Telephone: 707-963-7774
E-Mail: info@vsattui.com
Website: vsattui.com
