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Why
Benessere
We enjoy our friends at Benesssere Vineyards (they’re just up the road from Wine Country Inn) for three reasons: one, they make great wines; two, they’re fun people; and three, they produce something different—in this case, Italian varietal wines. Italian grapes they use include Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Rosato, and Sagrantino, among others.
Benessere winemaker Chris Dearden (see picture) says the winery’s Italian-style wines are a perfect fit given the Napa Valley’s history of Italian winemakers and abundance of Italian restaurants. “We thought, Why reinvent the wheel with a winery making Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay when we could do something fun and different and cutting-edge,” Dearden says.
Dearden uses virtually the same winemaking process for the Italian varietals as do other winemakers. One key difference, though, he points out: Benessere uses huge open-top fermenters. “These add great mouth-feel, that texture at the mid-palate,” he says.
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 The Benessere Wines
Benessere means “well being” or prosperity in Italian. Three wines we love from Benessere include:
- Sorridente (Italian for 'smile'), a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico
- Sangiovese, the predominant grape from Tuscany
- Phenomenon, a "Super-Napan" blend of Cabernet, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah
Benessere makes white wines as well. Most of its wines sell for between $25 and $60 per bottle. For more information, visit their web site at www.benesserevineyards.com.
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Contact Information
Benessere Vineyards is just up the road from the Wine Country Inn. For directions, please ask our front desk staff. To arrange a tasting or tour, please contact Nan at (707)963-5853 or by email at nan@benesserevineyards.com.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
For room rates and availability, or for more information,
please call us toll-free at 1-888-465-4608.
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