Source: https://www.vsattui.com/blog/2015/04/
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 06:43:21+00:00

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Earth Day 2015- It Ain’t Easy Being Green– But it’s So Worth It!
Happy Earth Day! Although it is a nationally recognized day for celebrating “green” practices, at V. Sattui we focus on this every day.
Sustainability has been a core value at V. Sattui since it was founded in 1976. As a California Certified Sustainable winery, V. Sattui's commitment to taking care of the land is present in our winemaking practices from the soil, to the vine, and to the bottle.
The viticulture team is constantly evaluating the environmental impact of our farming practices. Certified through the Fish-Friendly Farming program, V. Sattui introduces beneficial predators and organisms in the vineyards to reduce the need for use of damaging pesticides or herbicides, in line with its commitment to preserving natural wildlife habitats. In this very dry chapter of California agriculture, we are also closely monitoring our water use and have tilled many of our cover crops early, so they aren’t competing with vines for water. This dedication extends beyond the winery to a family of private grape growers who tend their vineyards with the same care and concern required to make the distinctive wines for which V. Sattui is known.
This is the original estate vineyard property of V. Sattui Winery, adjacent to the winery itself. It is 34 acres that are planted to seven varieties, most of them Cabernet Sauvignon. As of the 2012 vintage, Vittorio's Vineyard is USDA Certified Organic, and so our Vittorio's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, which will be released later this year.
"We've always tried to take a proactive role in preserving the health of the lands we have," explains vineyard consultant Larry Bradley. "Vittorio's Vineyard has actually been organic for the past five seasons, but the process of certification takes a while." What this means is that no chemicals or inorganic fertilizers are used that could leach into the groundwater. "This of course is more costly," says Larry, "but we believe we're doing the right thing and that the resulting wines will be more flavorful."
The spacing between vines in Vittorio’s Vineyard have been planted with all organic cover crops, mostly bell beans and other legumes and grasses. "Green manures," as Larry describes them. "We want lean soils," he says, "and we supplement the weaker areas with fish emulsions and other organic composts."
At just over 2400 feet, Howell Mountain is among the highest vineyards in all of Napa Valley. The unique climate of this vineyard produces wines with a firm structure, intense fruit flavors, earthy spice, and round acidity. The ashy, iron-laden soils are perfectly suited for growing full-bodied, peppery Zinfandel that have inspired a dedicated following from many V. Sattui fans. The Black-Sears family is committed to caring for the land they call home, farming organically and biodynamically in the vineyard and in their orchards and gardens. Wine lovers who have enjoyed the fruit and the wines of the Black-Sears vines will testify: "there's just something special about that vineyard."
Have an eggs-cellent Easter at V. Sattui Winery!
We are open all weekend, including Easter Sunday, and it’s going to be a blast! Beautiful grounds, great wine, what more could you ask for??
After you take your Easter goodies home (read: your wine), you may get hit with a sudden panicked feeling of: “Uh-oh. Now what do I pair this with?” Because let’s be honest here, you were in it for the wine, in the moment, and you weren’t thinking about the future, about how civilized people don’t just take down bottles of wine without some manner of food involved… Ahh, the pressures of a civilized world.
V. Sattui has got your back. Just use our handy-dandy guide and you will be on your way to Easter salvation!
Maybe a little 2011 Prestige Cuvee? This will go great with Easter brunch – think eggs benedict – the rich butter notes in hollandaise and meatiness of the ham are foiled nicely by the light crispness of this wine.
Peeps are another great pairing with sparkling.
Riesling goes with EVERYTHING. I can’t say this enough. If you bought Riesling, you are the Easter winner! (No, you don’t get anything, sorry. How about a cyberhug!? Yea!) A sweeter Riesling – Anderson Valley and Off-Dry Riesling – will go with the spicier dishes (Sriracha deviled eggs, anyone?) where our Easter feature, the Dancing Egg Riesling, with its crisp palate and refreshing flavors with be a nice contrast to a richer dish, like a vegetable curry.
Seduced by a Pinot Noir?
This will be fantastic with one of the main courses – the Easter ham. The light and delicate, yet complex flavors of Pinot Noir are beautiful when paired with this dish. Our Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, with its savory mushroom flavors will complement the salty, meaty flavors of the ham.
Zins are forgiven on Easter!
As luck would have it, Zinfandel’s full-bodied flavors and pinch of spice stand up nicely to a roasted rack of lamb. Try our 2012 Pilgrim Zinfandel – it’s jammy, pepper-accented blackberry flavors are decadently delicious.

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