Domanico Cellars to release award-winning wines

For wine lovers out there, Domanico Cellars (825 NW 49th St) will release their 2007 wines this weekend. Although the names of the wines are the same as 2006, Jason Domanico points out some of the differences:

In 2007 we added grapes from two new vineyards, Lewis Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Two Blond Cabernet Franc. The addition of these two excellent vineyards with the top vineyards we were fortunate to already be using, I believe has raised the quality of both our Mesa Rojo and our Le Monstre. 2006 was a cooler growing season, which made for wines that were very fruity and open.

The 2007 summer was hotter and the grapes, while still fruity, became more tannic. The combination of the hot summer and the addition of the new vineyards have allowed us to make wine, that while enjoyable now, will last for many years.

Our 2007 Le Flirt is very similar to the 2006, with the only difference being we have bumped up the amount of Malbec blended in to 14% giving it more structure and a bit of spice. We are very proud of all of these new wines with each of them already having won medals at National Competitions.

For the release this weekend, they’ve planned a full line-up. Holly McLean of SAVOUR (2242 NW Market) will be doing wine and cheese pairings on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. and local chocolatier Anne Mills of Eat Chocolates will spend the weekend handing out her treats.

The winery will be open noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. They will be offering 15% off any purchase of their 2007 wines. If you buy three or more bottles you’ll receive a free Domanico Cellars 6-bottle wine tote. (Disclosure: Domanico Cellars is a sponsor of MyBallard.)