Ramspeck Wines

In Napa Valley, where "older" wineries were founded in the late 1960s, Rowland Cellars is something of an anomaly. When owner/winemaker Gerald W. Rowland decided to make and market his own brand, he traced his family history for inspiration. In 1991, he revived his family’s label, Ramspeck --454 years after it was first released in Europe in 1537. Rowland’s respect for tradition is the cornerstone of his winemaking practices. After researching methods dating back centuries, Rowland has developed a signature style which combines the new and old world. By harvesting later; using a longer, cold maceration; and adding whole-berry and whole-clusters, he intensifies the fruit character. His approach results in wines of unique personality with concentrated flavors and aromas. Rowland is a firm believer of the French concept "terroir," where a wine’s flavor directly reflects the soil and climate from which the fruit originates. Throughout Napa Valley he farms very small, mountainside vineyards for low-yielding, concentrated fruit. Each vineyard location is a highly regarded source for a specific grape variety. Quality is crucial to Rowland. "I wouldn’t make wine unless I could ensure a quality product,"says Rowland."With a family tradition beginning four and a half centuries ago, it adds a little extra weight on your shoulders to do it right." Click here to see the Ramspeck releases Also be sure to learn about...