FIVE-SECOND ITALIAN LESSONS FROM WINE.WOOT
che il pollo è un bugiardo: that chicken is a liar
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2015 Sognare Syrah, Puglia, Italy
This wine is deep red in color with purple hues. Notes of violet, blackberry, and blueberry are accented by black pepper and baking spices. The body is full and round, ending with soft tannins on the lasting finish.
Vineyards: Sognare - dream - is a wine that represents exactly that sentiment. From the sun-soaked hillsides of Puglia, Syrah grapes reach peak ripeness. The Mediterranean climate of southeastern Italy is complemented by the 200 meter elevation of these vineyards. Sea breezes also help maintain cooler temperatures during the growing season. This was especially helpful during the 2015 growing season - July was recorded as the hottest month on record. Fortunately, average winter and spring temperatures and rainfall created water reserves for vines to survive the heat. Syrah grapes are thick skinned and resilient; extreme conditions cause lower yields with stronger, more concentrated flavors. Sand soils that dominate the Sognare vineyards balance the Syrah with nuanced flavors. Harvest occurred in September and was followed by a 20-day long maceration with skin contact.
Food Pairing: The multi-layered nature of this Syrah lends it to a variety of food pairings. Rich cuts of beef, roasted game, and soft cheeses such blue cheese will enhance the flavors.
Founder and CEO, Bruce Cunningham, has been in the wine industry since 1987. After earning an undergraduate degree in Wine Marketing Studies at the University of Adelaide (South Australia), Bruce attended business school and has been involved in many aspects of the industry with a specific focus in packaging and production. After relocating to New York from Australia, he saw the need for custom labels of Australian wines for direct marketing needs in the USA. A W Direct (formerly Aussie Wine Direct), was born. This focus on a market segment was, at the time embryonic, and quickly led to further expansion of both suppliers and various segments of the wine market.
A W Direct relocated to California in 2004, and the team expanded, led by the formidable talents of his business partner, Kimberly Cunningham. Kim - an engineer, and techno-geek at heart - with her experience in running divisions of some of the world’s largest companies, was able to build systems to help create the efficiency needed to allow A W Direct to grow, but also compete in a wine world that can be inflexible and intolerant. As the company grew, Kim enhanced the business by developing a successful team of energetic, challenge-driven people who have the right “moxie” to keep our well-oiled machine running smoothly.
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