Giornata and Thacher, both of Paso Robles, are lauded for their continued innovation in working with lesser-known grapes, minimalist winemaking practices and crafting delicious wines more moderate in alcohol.
October 8, 2020 (Paso Robles, Calif.) – Giornata Wines and Thacher Winery and Vineyard, which have long been bucking the high-alcohol trend in Paso Robles, were recently praised by Wine Spectator magazine for their vision and their commitment to crafting delicious wines from lesser-known grape varietals using minimalist methods.
The two family-owned wineries were featured as must-tries in an article called “11 Exciting Off-the-Radar California Reds,” written by acclaimed wine critic, MaryAnn Worobiec.
“This list highlights several of these alternative varieties,” Worobiec writes. “Many [are] grown in the Golden State’s lesser-known corners with low-intervention methods to highlight their unique characters and terroirs.”
Worobiec highlighted Giornata’s 2018 Montepulciano, and Thacher’s 2018 Shell Creek Vineyard Valdiguié, both made with Paso Robles-grown grapes.
While Thacher continues to work with traditional grapes, such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, over the last several years they have gained praise and a legion new fans for their “off-the-radar” grapes, including Cinsault, Chenin Blanc, Valdiguié and, most recently, Négrette.
Giornata – one of the first wineries to set up shop in Paso’s Tin City, and the first local winery to use clay amphora for fermenting – has always focused solely on Italian grapes such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Fiano, Falanghina, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.
Both wineries are also active in the annual 7 Percent Solution Festival, which highlights and promotes grape diversity.
“We never had the goal to start a new movement in Paso, we just really wanted to make wines we personally love to drink – and we love the challenge of working with new grapes,” says Sherman Thacher, founder and winemaker at Thacher. “Still, it’s really nice to be recognized in the mainstream wine world for our hard work.”
Brian Terrizzi, Giornata’s co-founder and winemaker, agrees.
“Sherman and I have both shared the same ethos, that less is more when it comes to winemaking – like only using naturally occurring native yeasts,” Terrizzi says. “And while the wines we make aren’t so called traditional Paso wines, I think our pioneering spirit is very Paso.”
