Emmolo carries on a family tradition dating back to 1923, when my great-grandfather Salvatore Emmolo immigrated from Italy to Rutherford, Napa Valley, buying property that remains in the family, he built a winery and started a grapevine rootstock nursery. Managed for many years by my grandfather Frank Emmolo, the nursery became the leading supplier to Napa Valley vintners. My mother, Cheryl, launched Emmolo wines in 1994 – she doesn’t have any brothers and wanted to ensure that the family names lives on. I feel really fortunate that she passed the reins on to me. Grapes for my fifth vintage of Sauvignon Blanc are still grown on family property, and my grandparents, Frank and Annie, still live in Rutherford – where they sit on their porch keeping an eye on the vines. Fresh and racy, this Sauvignon Blanc exudes lovely melon, apricot, citrus, and lemongrass flavors. A crisp, clean finish with a touch of minerality cleanses the palate and nicely balances the upfront fruit.
