Alamitos Vineyards Adds Winemaking Consultant To Staff

Alamitos Vineyards, an estate vineyard and winery situated at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the enclave of New Almaden, has brought on George Troquato as winemaking consultant for their growing portfolio. Troquato will lend his expertise in sourcing grapes from top vineyards in California to craft terroir-driven, single vineyard wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands, Stags Leap District, and Coombsville.  

A third-generation vintner, George Troquato brings 30 years of winemaking experience from  California’s Central Coast. He made the first five vintages of Testarossa wines in the 1990s,  setting the foundation for a decades-long successful wine program, and has spent three  decades leading the winemaking team at Cinnabar Winery. Troquato’s winemaking philosophy  starts in the vineyard, guided by the understanding that sustainable soils and strategic vineyard  practices lay the foundation for a minimal-intervention winemaking style.  

“Alamitos Vineyards is laser focused on quality—they are committed to making high-end wine  and seeking out fruit from appellations that produce the best of that variety,” Troquato said. “All  three vineyards have been hand-selected for their viticultural practices and exceptional quality  of fruit. Following the 2021 vintage, I can confidently say that these terroir-driven wines are  going to be something to seek out.”  

The winery will continue to produce an estate Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Touriga Nacional  Rosé under the direction of winemaker Peter Kirchner. Troquato’s first vintage leading the new varietal program will include a Malbec from Coombsville, a southern AVA in Napa Valley  influenced by the San Pablo Bay, a Merlot from Stags Leap District, an iconic AVA tucked into  the eastern hills of Napa Valley, and a Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands, a narrow AVA  south of Monterey. For Troquato, timing and good vineyard practices are essential, which he  achieves by working only with small vineyards and dedicated farmers. 

Together with Troquato, Alamitos Vineyards’ proprietors Shaun Coleman and Chris Maune will  continue to produce small-batch, quality-driven wines but with a broader scope. “Troquato’s  expertise and indispensable relations within the industry allow us to continue to grow, but  mindfully,” Coleman said. “He is committed to sourcing from vineyards that farm with intention  and with an eye for showcasing unique varietal characteristics. We are thrilled with this  partnership and look forward to sustainable growth for many more successful vintages to come.”  

Coleman and Maune have a rich history of winemaking and farming in their families. Shaun’s  grandfather John Enos Vargas was the winemaker for multiple pioneering California wineries in  the early 1900s. The two are proud contributors to the resurgence of farming and agriculture in  Santa Clara Valley, and hope to inspire a connection between the land and the community. 

About Alamitos Vineyards 

Founded in 2014 by proprietors Chris Maune and Shaun Coleman, Alamitos Vineyards seeks to  reinvigorate a region, once the epicenter of California mining and agriculture, through authentic,  small-batch, quality-driven wines. Alamitos Vineyards is located in the unique microclimate of  New Almaden, a historic community tucked into the Capitancillos Hills of San Jose on the  eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The boutique winery is home to award-winning  Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Touriga Nacional, a unique Portuguese variety that pays homage  to the family history of the proprietors. To set up a weekend tasting appointment, please contact  the winery at 408-380-2230 or visit alamitosvineyards.com.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*