Wine often tastes a little sweeter when you know its background, including the type of grapes, where the wine originated, and even the people a part of the process. Sharing these details with your guests as you pour wine at your next wine tasting party will enhance their experience. If you’re planning a party that features the wines of Rutherford Ranch, consider offering the history of this modern day winery.

The New Rutherford Ranch

In the year 2000, Marko and Theo Zaninovich purchased Rutherford Ranch and then turned it over to their son, Morgan. Located on the Silverado Trail surrounded by 20 acres of organic vineyards planted mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Morgan was ready to make wine. He had carefully prepared for the assignment as he studied agricultural economics at Perdue University and spent two years working for Gallo. He worked at Rutherford Ranch for a while managing California sales before his family purchased the winery from the original owners.

Since the banking crisis brought the country to its knees, Morgan has faced challenges in running the business in what has become a hostile climate for premium and ultra-premium wine. The winery exports ten percent of their wines to a half dozen countries. Because of his relationships abroad, Morgan has become acquainted with the words for ‘crisis’ in many different languages.

Prepared For Crisis

Rutherford Ranch prepared for crisis in ways other wineries had not. While premium wine prices escalated, Rutherford Ranch never went to extreme prices as other Napa wineries did. The winery is growing despite the economy because the wines are delicious and offer exceptional value. The new Cabernet blend Rhiannon (from the Welsh meaning ‘golden’) is an unusual blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, which peaks the interest of wine clubs and retail consumers.

The Scott Family Estate

Rutherford Ranch also manages the Scott Family Estate with vineyards in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, a cool-climate region especially suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The estate produces small quantities of both ultra-premium wines. The Zaninovich Family named the estate after Morgan’s 98-year-old maternal grandfather who had been a banker. Still very alert and attentive, he loves to talk about economic issues because he lived through the Great Depression. He sees this as coming full circle. Because he was a banker for many years, he couldn’t believe what was going on with lending and the leniency exercised by banks.

The Round Hill Label

Rutherford Ranch also manages the Round Hill Label, mostly intended for restaurants, and the Lander-Jenkins label that specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. From ultra-premium wines for wine clubs to moderately priced value wines for retail shelves, Rutherford Ranch offers pricing that works for all Americans.

Family History

The son of a Croatian farmer, Marko Zaninovich farms 2,000 acres devoted to wine and table grapes in six California counties as well as in South America. Most of the production goes to bulk wine, but the company also makes raisins from some of the fruit.

As you pour the wines of Rutherford Ranch at your next wine tasting party, share this exciting family’s history that includes grapes, winemaking, and the economy.

Kent Campbell is an author for the popular wine of the month club, Celebrations Wine Club. Celebrations Wine Club is one of the few red wine club associations offering the wines of Italy and California.

Article Source: ArticleSpan