Arcudi Terramagra Bacigalupi Vineyard Grenache Russian River 2021

In 2001, propelled by the memory of a life-changing glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tony, a Boston native, packed his bags at thirty-eight years old and moved across the country to the Napa Valley. His unwavering inspiration led him to apply to college for the first time. He then attended and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis, the topmost academy for wine studies in the United States. After graduating, Tony interned at the revered Maison M. Chapoutier in France and then as the Assistant Winemaker for Nickel & Nickel back in Napa. In 2009 he met Napa superstar winemaker Heidi Barrett, whose winemaking resume includes Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Amuse Bouche, Fantesca, Diamond Creek Vineyards, and Kenzo Estate, to name just a few. Tony became Heidi's Assistant Winemaker and right-hand man that same year. Working alongside Heidi gave him unimaginable experience and boosted his confidence to begin a project in 2012 under his own label, Arcudi. Since then, in addition to becoming the winemaker for Kapcsandy Family Winery and earning three 100-Point Scores there (two in his first vintage), his small production, single-vineyard Cabernets under the Arcudi label have continued to garner glowing reviews from critics and loyal followers.

For several years, we have been fans of Tony's single-vineyard Cabernets. However, at $ 150 retail, they aren't exactly considered a “middle of the week” wine. After being asked many times, 'We love your wines, but what do you recommend opening on a Wednesday night?' Tony finally decided to make one himself. Terramagra is his answer to all of us looking for an incredible bottle of wine without breaking the bank. At an affordable price, the Terramagra label is an exciting addition to Tony's collection, offering the same quality and craftsmanship we've come to expect from his wines.

Despite the "meager earth" moniker Tony uses to depict the soil from which premier grapes grow, the meagerness stops there when it comes to the Bacigalupi Vineyard. Wine history buffs will know that this revered site was the vineyard source for the record-smashing and future-altering 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Since 1956, the Bacigalupi family has stewarded their 121-acre property, of which 103 acres is under vine, with thoughtful care and dedication to quality, not only for the fruit they grow but for the health of their surrounding ecosystems.

In describing Tony's 2021 Grenache, Jeb Dunnuck says, "Revealing a deep ruby hue as well as stunning notes of darker berries, candied violets, and peppery herbs, with some background floral notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a seamless, layered mouthfeel." As we ease into the cooler temperatures of Fall and begin breaking out our sweaters, you can be sure we'll have a glass of this intriguing red by our side…as should you.