For all those fortunate people attending the release party of Bargetto Winery’s La Vita 2006 in May, it was a perfect day of wine, food and ambiance.
In the winery’s beautiful Creek Side Courtyard overlooking Soquel Creek, hors d’oeuvres are passed, luscious wines are tasted, music is played—and a buzz of excitement is in the air before the unveiling of La Vita 2006.
This is no ordinary wine. It’s produced from a unique blend of northern Italian varietals grown in Bargetto’s estate vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Made up of 58 percent Dolcetto, 24 percent Refosco and 18 percent Nebbiolo, this handcrafted wine is aged for two and a half years in oak barrels, and then aged for an additional 18 months in the bottle.
After tasting a variety of Bargetto wines and munching on delicious food in the courtyard, everyone is looking forward to the La Vita. But first, John Bargetto presents a check for $5,000 to the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre—this year’s recipient of La Vita sales. Each year, part of the proceeds from the sale of La Vita goes to a local nonprofit—and the beneficiary of the 2006 release is CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
The label plays a major role also. Each year La Vita features artwork with a “wine in art” theme—and this year’s vintage depicts “The Grape Harvest” by Goya, the romantic Spanish painter.
And finally we get to taste La Vita. Strikingly rich and complex, the uniqueness of the grapes is captured to produce a full-bodied wine of intense fruit with nuances of dark chocolate and cedar. At $60, it’s worth the indulgence. I congratulate Michael Sones, the talented head winemaker at Bargetto, who, along with new assistant winemaker Spencer Spetnagel, makes a trip to this historic 77-year-old winery an absolute delight.
Bargetto Winery, 3535 North Main St., Soquel, 475-2258. bargetto.com. Tasting room is open daily.
Wine Events at Bargetto’s
Learn to Salsa: Instructor Mario Avila will teach you the art of salsa in the Creek Side Courtyard. The $15 fee includes a glass of wine. June 10, 17 and 24 from 6-8 p.m.
Father’s Day BBQ: June 20, 1-4 p.m. $48. Price includes BBQ buffet, selection of red and white wines, live music, tax and tip. Food is by Five Star Catering and music is by Cooper & Jenkins.
Wine Sale: Bargetto’s has a summer wine sale going on until June 21. Check the website.
