Move over craft beer, San Diego wine is making waves! The heart of Midtown Manhattan is where the upstart San Diego winery Gianni Buonomo Vintners recently won over judges to earn a 94-point rating and a Gold Medal in the New York International Wine Competition - the third award received so far this year by the remote Ocean Beach urban winery.
"The judges here just loved it," stated New York International Wine Competition Head Judge Adam Levy. "It’s really an exceptional bottle of wine and an outstanding value. Our competition stands apart from others because our judges are a mix of restauranteurs, sommeliers, retail wine buyers, distributors and importers. The folks whose livelihood depends on their evaluation of wines."
Last month, Gianni Buonomo Vintners earned a 94-point rating and won a gold medal at the New York International Wine Competition for their 2014 Maestrale, a Meritage/Bordeaux-style blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. There were over 1400 entries from 24 countries in this eighth annual event.
"The judges here just loved it," stated New York International Wine Competition Head Judge Adam Levy. "It’s really an exceptional bottle of wine and an outstanding value. Our competition stands apart from others because our judges are a mix of restauranteurs, sommeliers, retail wine buyers, distributors and importers. The folks whose livelihood depends on their evaluation of wines."
Last month, Gianni Buonomo Vintners earned a 94-point rating and won a gold medal at the New York International Wine Competition for their 2014 Maestrale, a Meritage/Bordeaux-style blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. There were over 1400 entries from 24 countries in this eighth annual event.
This caps off a big year of competition for Gianni Buonomo Vintners, which started in January with the OB winery winning a Double Gold medal for their 2014 Charbono at first event they entered, the venerable San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The 2013 Blaufränkisch won a Bronze. In March, that same 2013 Blaufränkisch won a Gold Medal against international competition at the Hilton Head Island International Wine Competition.
"Ocean Beach is a universe away from New York City. To think that our little beach winery is winning awards on the international wine stage in New York is very cool," exclaimed Gianni Buonomo Vintners owner and head winemaker Keith Rolle. "It’s all about the grapes. Great wine comes from great grapes."
Rolle, who studied Enology and Viticulture in Washington State, brings in fruit from the Rattlesnake Hills AVA just south of Yakima WA. Among the other varietals he brings to San Diego is Blaufränkisch. His 2014 Blaufränkisch earned a 92-point rating and a Silver Medal in this same competition. Both award-winning wines are currently available for tasting at the winery. They can be purchased in the tasting room or online.
Those looking to get a taste of Gianni Buonomo Vintners should consider attending its next event on July 26 - a formal Italian 4-course dinner prepared by Chef Max Farina that will be paired with 5 Gianni Buonomo wines. Seating is very limited.
Gianni Buonomo Vintners is located at 4836 Newport Avenue in San Diego's Ocean Beach neighborhood. For more information, visit GBVintners.com.
Rolle, who studied Enology and Viticulture in Washington State, brings in fruit from the Rattlesnake Hills AVA just south of Yakima WA. Among the other varietals he brings to San Diego is Blaufränkisch. His 2014 Blaufränkisch earned a 92-point rating and a Silver Medal in this same competition. Both award-winning wines are currently available for tasting at the winery. They can be purchased in the tasting room or online.
Those looking to get a taste of Gianni Buonomo Vintners should consider attending its next event on July 26 - a formal Italian 4-course dinner prepared by Chef Max Farina that will be paired with 5 Gianni Buonomo wines. Seating is very limited.
Gianni Buonomo Vintners is located at 4836 Newport Avenue in San Diego's Ocean Beach neighborhood. For more information, visit GBVintners.com.
