#AlmaLuciaWine: Alma de Cattleya and Lucia Vineyards Twitter Wine Tasting and Chat!
Hello Friends,
I recently had an opportunity to join a really fun Twitter wine tasting and chat hosted by communications and marketing extraordinaire Robert Larsen, of The Larsen Projekt. Robert’s special guests were winery owners Bibiana Gonzalez Rave and Jeff Pisoni, the winemakers for Alma de Cattleya and Lucia Vineyards, respectively. The two talented winemakers are also married, having exchanged vows in 2011. When asked about their winemaking relationship—if there was any friendly competition—Bibiana said, “We have known each other now for fifteen years, and we continue to make each other's craft better.”
Bibiana was born and raised in Colombia. The beautiful and eye-catching orchid that graces her label is a Cattleya, the national flower of her native country. Fascinated with wine from a relatively young age, thanks to a few sips every once in a while from her father’s glass, Bibiana has wanted to make wine since she was fourteen. Turning a dream into reality, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bordeaux, where she graduated with honors. From vineyard to the cellar, she worked for wineries around the world, including stints in France, South Africa, and California, before starting Cattleya Wines in 2012, where she crafts terroir-driven, small-lot wines. Bibiana’s Alma de Cattleya label is dedicated to delicious yet affordable wines sourced from Sonoma and Napa Valley vineyards.
On the other side of the cork, Jeff grew up surrounded by vines and wines, working all aspects of the business from a very young age. Jeff’s father, Gary Pisoni—who looks like a member of a rock band—is (rightly) regarded as one of the pioneers of California Pinot Noir. Gary planted Pisoni Vineyard—then five acres of Pinot on a cattle ranch—in 1982, turning out wines that helped put Santa Lucia Highlands on the map for quality Pinot Noir. A true family affair, Jeff’s brother Mark serves as vineyard manager. The family’s Lucia label represents a collection of wines exclusively sourced from three vineyards (Pisoni, Gary’s, and Soberanes vineyards) farmed by the Pisoni family.
Our virtual chat showcased several latest releases from Bibiana and Jeff. All of the selections my wine cohorts and I tasted were rock solid. Enjoyable to drink and share with friends, and any one of them would make a great addition to a feast, they’re all versatile on the table. For further information and where you can find these delicious wines, please see my tasting notes below.
Alma de Cattleya 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir (SRP $20): Here’s a case where the wine tastes as good as it looks from the outside—and the label is gorgeous! Fruit for this rosé was sourced from some of the coolest areas in Sonoma County, namely Sonoma Coast and Carneros. This wine offers expressions of wild strawberries and spring flowers, with a core of bright, citrusy acidity keeping it fresh through the finish. This is one rosé you’ll want in your glass, and it doesn’t hurt to have several in the fridge, chilled and ready to go. Approximately 500 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Sonoma County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, aged in neutral French oak for six months, DIAM cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
Alma de Cattleya 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $22): Fruit for this lovely refresher was sourced from several hillside vineyards throughout Sonoma County. Unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is young, fresh, and aromatic—loaded with lifted notes of pink grapefruit, citrus blossom, and lemon zest, as well as an unexpected yet pleasing hint of fennel, backed by juicy acidity. Nice textured mouthfeel but at the same time racy, it is flexible with food but incredibly gulpable and delightful on its own. Approximately 2,250 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Sonoma County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, Clone 1 and Musque, aged on its lees in neutral French oak for six months, DIAM cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
Lucia 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay (SRP $45): Grown exclusively on the Pisoni family’s estate vineyards within the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, this Chardonnay is sourced from select barrels of the Pisoni and Soberanes vineyards. This is a style of Chardonnay I enjoy on the dinner table with smoked salmon or shellfish like lobster or scallops. It is expressive and nicely balanced, with textural richness underscored by crisp, focused acidity, supporting flavors of pear tart, buttercream, lemon zest, and toasted spice. The flavors run deep, with a lingering finish that’s sure to please. Approximately 480 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, 100% native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in (32% new) French oak barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
Lucia 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (SRP $45): This appealing Pinot Noir is a blend of the Pisoni family’s three estate vineyards (41% Pisoni, 32% Gary’s, and 27% Soberanes vineyards) in Santa Lucia Highlands. From an exceptional vintage, it pours a deep ruby color and, for a young wine, hits on all cylinders. It’s harmonious, complex, and elegant on the palate. Inviting aromas of black cherry compote, fresh raspberry, and floral perfume join suggestions of spiced fruitcake, black tea, and savory undertones. This wine is a wonderful addition to any table that can be enjoyed now with proper decanting, or cellared for years to come. Approximately 1,460 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, 100% native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in (40% new) French oak barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
I recently had an opportunity to join a really fun Twitter wine tasting and chat hosted by communications and marketing extraordinaire Robert Larsen, of The Larsen Projekt. Robert’s special guests were winery owners Bibiana Gonzalez Rave and Jeff Pisoni, the winemakers for Alma de Cattleya and Lucia Vineyards, respectively. The two talented winemakers are also married, having exchanged vows in 2011. When asked about their winemaking relationship—if there was any friendly competition—Bibiana said, “We have known each other now for fifteen years, and we continue to make each other's craft better.”
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| Alma de Cattleya 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir |
Bibiana was born and raised in Colombia. The beautiful and eye-catching orchid that graces her label is a Cattleya, the national flower of her native country. Fascinated with wine from a relatively young age, thanks to a few sips every once in a while from her father’s glass, Bibiana has wanted to make wine since she was fourteen. Turning a dream into reality, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bordeaux, where she graduated with honors. From vineyard to the cellar, she worked for wineries around the world, including stints in France, South Africa, and California, before starting Cattleya Wines in 2012, where she crafts terroir-driven, small-lot wines. Bibiana’s Alma de Cattleya label is dedicated to delicious yet affordable wines sourced from Sonoma and Napa Valley vineyards.
On the other side of the cork, Jeff grew up surrounded by vines and wines, working all aspects of the business from a very young age. Jeff’s father, Gary Pisoni—who looks like a member of a rock band—is (rightly) regarded as one of the pioneers of California Pinot Noir. Gary planted Pisoni Vineyard—then five acres of Pinot on a cattle ranch—in 1982, turning out wines that helped put Santa Lucia Highlands on the map for quality Pinot Noir. A true family affair, Jeff’s brother Mark serves as vineyard manager. The family’s Lucia label represents a collection of wines exclusively sourced from three vineyards (Pisoni, Gary’s, and Soberanes vineyards) farmed by the Pisoni family.
Our virtual chat showcased several latest releases from Bibiana and Jeff. All of the selections my wine cohorts and I tasted were rock solid. Enjoyable to drink and share with friends, and any one of them would make a great addition to a feast, they’re all versatile on the table. For further information and where you can find these delicious wines, please see my tasting notes below.
 |
| I fired up the smoker and got some lemon-dill salmon going with Pisoni Family Vineyards 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay. This was a very nice marriage between food and wine. Yum! |
Alma de Cattleya 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir (SRP $20): Here’s a case where the wine tastes as good as it looks from the outside—and the label is gorgeous! Fruit for this rosé was sourced from some of the coolest areas in Sonoma County, namely Sonoma Coast and Carneros. This wine offers expressions of wild strawberries and spring flowers, with a core of bright, citrusy acidity keeping it fresh through the finish. This is one rosé you’ll want in your glass, and it doesn’t hurt to have several in the fridge, chilled and ready to go. Approximately 500 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Sonoma County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, aged in neutral French oak for six months, DIAM cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
 |
| Alma de Cattleya 2019 Sauvignon Blanc |
Alma de Cattleya 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $22): Fruit for this lovely refresher was sourced from several hillside vineyards throughout Sonoma County. Unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is young, fresh, and aromatic—loaded with lifted notes of pink grapefruit, citrus blossom, and lemon zest, as well as an unexpected yet pleasing hint of fennel, backed by juicy acidity. Nice textured mouthfeel but at the same time racy, it is flexible with food but incredibly gulpable and delightful on its own. Approximately 2,250 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Sonoma County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, Clone 1 and Musque, aged on its lees in neutral French oak for six months, DIAM cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
 |
| Lucia 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay |
Lucia 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay (SRP $45): Grown exclusively on the Pisoni family’s estate vineyards within the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, this Chardonnay is sourced from select barrels of the Pisoni and Soberanes vineyards. This is a style of Chardonnay I enjoy on the dinner table with smoked salmon or shellfish like lobster or scallops. It is expressive and nicely balanced, with textural richness underscored by crisp, focused acidity, supporting flavors of pear tart, buttercream, lemon zest, and toasted spice. The flavors run deep, with a lingering finish that’s sure to please. Approximately 480 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, 100% native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in (32% new) French oak barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
 |
| Lucia 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
Lucia 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (SRP $45): This appealing Pinot Noir is a blend of the Pisoni family’s three estate vineyards (41% Pisoni, 32% Gary’s, and 27% Soberanes vineyards) in Santa Lucia Highlands. From an exceptional vintage, it pours a deep ruby color and, for a young wine, hits on all cylinders. It’s harmonious, complex, and elegant on the palate. Inviting aromas of black cherry compote, fresh raspberry, and floral perfume join suggestions of spiced fruitcake, black tea, and savory undertones. This wine is a wonderful addition to any table that can be enjoyed now with proper decanting, or cellared for years to come. Approximately 1,460 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, 100% native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in (40% new) French oak barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
