Tony Coturri is a leading crafter and innovator in the movement of biodynamic and organic winemaking, and really, just an all around cool guy. Join me in picking his brain, savoring his wines and listening to his winemaking stories and wisdom.

The Coturri wine making philosophy is a simple one: let nature speak. Their organic, biodynamic and 100% natural wines are truly made from just the grapes. As Tony says, "I am making wine in a tradition that has been employed for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Our grandfathers all made wine this way, I didn't invent it, yet I am considered one of the most controversial winemakers in America today."

I have had the privilege of meeting with Tony Coturri on several occasions but I will never forget the first time. I was packin’ it up and ready to call it a day when in walks a salesman with this guy who I can only describe as a remnant of the 60’s and 70’s. Worn-in jeans, a black hot-rod t-shirt partially covered by an unbuttoned heavy cotton flannel, met with a full-face salt and peppered beard topped off with an old tweed cap. Introductions are made, Tony sets up his wines and starts pouring; I start drinking. He begins speaking of his wines, of life, hot rods, nature, grapes, and after the better part of an hour and six wines I had to ask him one more question. “In making your wines do you find yourself more science or art driven?” His immediate response, “Neither. I am a custodian; the grapes tell me when they are ready to be picked.”

After this last question I figured it was time for the other part of the presentation. Yep, the sales pitch… but it never came. After these wild and fantastic wines all he wanted to know was which wine I enjoyed the most. The “Albarello” I blurted out, without hesitation. The wine is made from a dynamic field blend of grapes.* The nose is like walking into the kitchen after grandma’s been making jam all day, warm and seductive. In the mouth Albarello starts out like it’s going to be sweet: dark briary berries and fruit. By mid-tongue it starts going vegetal with all that berry starting to dissipate and in an instant soft acidity kicks in and pushes all those intense flavors right back to the tip of your tongue. Awesome!

One thing to always remember with Coturri wines is that they are NATURAL. This means organic, certainly, but this also means no fining or filtering has happened, and no sulfides have been added. Coturri wines should be decanted, and always opened with expectations only of a unique experience. I have enjoyed this fine wine with everything from a roast beef and onion ring sandwich, to Australian lamb. Incredible every time! I hope you enjoy. And remember, always search out the diamonds.

Thanks for reading; this is Alan O’Campbell of the Grain & Vine Spirit Shoppe signing off.

*2006 Albarello
29% Carignane, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese,
8% Syrah, 8% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 6% Barbera

Visit www.coturriwinery.com.