It's been awhile since I told the remarkable story of one woman's quest to follow her passion and become a winemaker. Winemaker Cynthia Cosco of Passaggio Wines has certainly come a long way since the early days of her winemaking career, which believe it or not, was not that long ago! I am proud and excited to say, a lot has happened since my last update and I am here to share a new chapter!
Not long ago, Cynthia moved Passaggio Wines from the town of Sonoma to a new home in the city, Dogpatch Wine Works, which is located in San Francisco at 2455 Third Street--a quaint little neighborhood with beautifully restored architecture. Not only is Dogpatch Wine Works a custom crush facility, meaning those who want to make wine, amateurs and pros, can go there to do so, but it also serves as a tasting room and a retail venue for Cynthia's wines.
My girlfriends and I were excited to visit and Cynthia was gracious enough to host our large group on a chilly Sunday morning in the city! We had a wonderful time, mingling, sampling and overseeing the process of which Cynthia's wines are made there.
As of now, Cynthia makes four wines (soon to be five) and each time I sample her wines, I get the feeling more exciting news is just around the corner! She is the prime example of someone with so much passion, her wines get better and better and this latest crop of wines are no exception!
2011 Passaggio Unoaked Chardonnay--I was speechless when I sampled this wine. In fact, my bottle disappeared very quickly! Clean fresh citrus flavors with great minerality and balance! This is her "flagship" wine and when people ask me about Unoaked Chardonnay, this is the one I talk about. It's amazing. Just take my word for it and try it. $23. I can't wait to try the 2012!
2011 Passaggio Pinot Grigio--This is a zippy wine with ZING!! Pinot Grigio can sometimes be a little boring but this one is far from that! I love the melon flavor and clean finish. It's refreshing and sure to be a go to wine for everyone's patio this Summer. $19
2011 Passaggio Rose'--I will discuss this wine even though it is currently sold out. I remember being one of the first to try her Rose' and this is the second vintage. She changes up the formula a little each time. This one was a Saignee-method (where they bleed the vats) rose' and made up primarily of Zinfandel from the Dry Creek AVA in Sonoma County and the addition of some Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A very different combination but worked beautifully! Really tasty with strawberry, cranberry, and watermelon flavor throughout. YUM! Make more please!
So what's new on the horizon? A new wine! *Unmarked* Sauvignon Blanc!! We can't wait! Releasing soon hopefully!
These are exceptional wines and should be enjoyed by everyone!
So how do you get some? Very easy. In addition to visiting Dogpatch Wine Works, the wines can be purchased from her website, passaggiowines.com. If you're not part of the Passionistas Wine Club yet, you are missing out. Being a member gives you a 20% discount on your purchases and at these prices you will want to purchase some more! I am proud to be a member! Interested in making wine or just visiting? Please go to dogpatchwineworks.com for more information.
Thank you to Cynthia Cosco for her continued friendship and support. We had a wonderful time visiting with you and hope to do it again soon!
"You Saw It Here First!" This post was published solely for "Cellarmistress' Cellar Talk".
Cellarmistress is an Italian-born, American-bred wine writer, wine lover and wine educator with a passion for wine and all that it encompasses.
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