Wente Vineyards Debuts Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend
Wente Vineyards, renowned as America’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, is pleased to announce the newest permanent addition to its wine portfolio with the debut of the Wente Vineyards Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend (SRP $20). A harmonious composite of grape varieties that the family has cultivated over five generations on California’s Central Coast, the 2021 Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend is a fitting way to commemorate Wente Vineyards’ 141st year in business.
“The 2021 Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend represents years of meticulous development,” stated Elizabeth Kester, Director of Winemaking at Wente Vineyards. “Our vineyards, rich in various notable grape types, make a red blend a strategic expansion of our core Central Coast portfolio. This addition is the first to our flagship lineup in over a decade and encapsulates the classic Wente Vineyards’ finesse. Approachable on its own, this Red Blend epitomizes the ultimate food-friendly wine and is a significant addition to our offerings. We are delighted to introduce it to our customers.”
This blend, comprising 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petite Verdot, 16% Merlot, 11% Barbera, 11% Tempranillo, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Malbec, draws from the historic Wente family vineyards. The myriad varieties were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks with twice-daily pump overs, which extracted their exquisite flavors, aromas, and textures. After fermentation, Kester meticulously chose the composition of the varieties – a practice that will vary with each vintage – to create a medium-bodied red blend that is as elegant and structured as it is universally appealing.
The blend showcases vibrant notes of red fruit, plum, and cherry, complemented by subtle hints of toffee, coffee bean, and a delicate undercurrent of white pepper, adding layers of complexity. A seamless finish lingers gracefully, exemplifying the perfect balance between juicy fruit notes and a hint of spice. Ideal for a cold day or an outdoor barbeque, this versatile Central Coast red blend pairs well with a range of dishes, including grilled, herb-marinated chicken, roast turkey, mushroom risotto, or a classic Margherita pizza.
Mount Diablo, rising over the Livermore Valley at 3,849 feet, is a geologic anomaly approximately 30 miles east of San Francisco. Visible from most of the San Francisco Bay Area, it boasts one of the largest viewsheds in the Western United States. Its unique geologic and climatic conditions are instrumental to the Livermore Valley’s Central Coast AVA and its terroir, lending an evocative name to this distinguished red blend.
The introduction of the Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend coincides with Wente Vineyards’ recent revision of its tier names for the core wholesale portfolio. This update aligns with the winery’s dedication to showcasing the unique terroir and quality of its wines. The revised names more accurately reflect the essence of the Wente Vineyards portfolio:
The Estate Tier is now renamed the Coastal Vineyard Series, emphasizing the coastal influence on Wente Vineyards’ wines and strengthening the connection to the vineyards that contribute to their distinctive character.
The Single Vineyard wines are now part of the Appellations Series, highlighting the diverse appellations that shape the flavors and nuances of Wente Vineyards’ wines, setting a foundation for future wines in this series.
The Wente Vineyards Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend is a part of the Coastal Vineyard Series. It is now available in both national and international markets. For additional details or inquiries, please visit Wente Vineyards’ official website at wentevineyards.com.
Photo courtesy of Wente Vineyards
About Wente Vineyards:
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards celebrated its 140th year in 2023. The estate has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, with women leading the charge from grape to glass. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide.
In 2010, it joined the top 10% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes and designation for both the estate vineyards and winery. In April 2022, the winery won the Wine Institute’s California Green Medal Leader Award. This award is given to one winery each year and recognizing leadership in sustainable practices that span both its vineyards and winery as well as the estate’s socially responsible initiatives that benefit its employees and greater community.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards – Wente Family Estates’ flagship estate label – is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, food and wine experiences, outdoor wine & music events, unparalleled wedding venues and The Course at Wente Vineyards, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. For more information, visit wentevineyards.com.
