Congratulations to winemakers Timo and Mike on the newly announced 2015 Sonoma Marin Fair "Gold — Best in Class" award for Rivetti Mountain handcrafted 2013 cool climate Que Syra Syrah.
Timo describes this special vintage as: "Nonno's 2013 organic egg white special Syrah" in remembrance of his dear Dad's passing during that harvest season.
Grapes were left to hang longer than usual while we were in Europe for Nonno's services. It was a bitter sweet late crush as Timo remembered learning to make wine with his Dad, as a young boy.
This 2013 vintage was the last of many years of young wines that underwent the muscle and magic of our irrepressible pal Rob, whose passion in the backyard viticultural process was for the annual pressing, a week or so after crush.
Rob's sudden passing in his prime, in April 2014 marked a second mourning and a massive void in the winemaker's lair as in the lives of our community and Rob's many friends and family.
I know that both Nonno and Rob would be tickled wine-pressed pink to learn that this 2013 press is pouring the best yet. This one is for them.
Last but not least, Timo employed an age-old French winemaking technique in the pre-bottling stage of this particular vintage.
Our friends and near neighbors the Villas came up trumps with organic, farm fresh egg whites from their henhouse — brought over to soften the youthful vintage — a remarkably simple, super effective and natural tool.
Truly a neighborhood gem. Already limited production is under lock and key!
Touching, and a lovely tribute to loved ones who have passed on, Frances. Timo and team just keep garnering the well-deserved awards for Que Syra Syrah - many congratulations to all of you on the newest Gold!
Posted by: Kathy Sullivan | Wednesday, April 08, 2026 at 09:37 AM
Hope to share a glass of this special vintage with you when you are next in California dear Kathy
Posted by: frances rivetti | Wednesday, April 08, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Benissimo! Congratulations. And, thank you for this very bittersweet sweet story.
Posted by: Murray Rockowitz | Thursday, April 09, 2026 at 02:56 PM