Gypsy Jan
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Baja Wine Country and a gringo's success story at Bodegas Marilena
From The San Diego Reader
By Tom Gatch
For original story and photos, go to: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2012/sep/13/travel-baja-n...
"When he was growing up in coastal Southern California back in the mid '50s, Jay Dworsky had absolutely no idea that he might end up becoming involved
in the farming of grapes, let alone in making wine out of them.
As a matter of fact, aside from having an occasional glass at the dinner table, he never really gave wine too much thought until a little over 20
years ago when he met his wife, Trisha, who possessed an extensive background as a restaurateur and aficionado of fine wines.
Under her skillful stewardship, he began to gradually expand his horizons to the point where he developed a cultured palate, along with distinct
preferences in regard to his favorite varietals. It was not, however, until after the couple eventually decided to retire and move down near Ensenada
in northern Baja that Jay’s passion and desire to learn more about the actual making of wine came into full fruition.
Baja’s primary wine-growing region, which includes the areas of nearby Valle Guadalupe and San Antonio de Las Minas, accounts for over 90% of Mexico’s
total wine production. This distinction is regularly celebrated at Ensenada’s annual Fiestas de la Vendimia celebration that draws wine lovers from
around the globe. And it was at one of these events over six years ago that Jay Dworsky made the fateful decision to sign up for a series of classes
that would introduce him to the art of winemaking.
A majority of the red grape producers in Baja Norte’s wine region focus their attentions on growing market-proven strains like Cabernet, Merlot,
Spanish Tempranillo and Italian Sangiovese. Petit Verdot, on the other hand, tends to mature rather late; its deep violet color, delightfully dry
fruitiness and light touch of tannin makes it a favorite for use in wine blends in its native region of Bordeaux, France. But when grown in a sunny,
dry climate with an extended season like that in northern Baja, Petit Verdot is able to easily stand on its own merit as a single varietal; it offers
a rich flavor profile that suggests dense, dark fruits like ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum.
Dworsky found this potential intriguing, so he made the decision to initiate a planting of the exotic varietal despite the fact it was his first
attempt at wine production. Some may have thought this was taking an unnecessary risk.
Nonetheless, some four years after his first bottling, Dworsky’s dense and velvety-smooth Petit Verdot, Merengue, neatly snatched a gold medal at the
2012 Concurso Internacional Wine Expo and Competition that was recently held at Ensenada’s Hotel Coral. This win was particularly noteworthy, since it
was the first time at the annual event a regional gold medal of this nature had been won by someone who was not a Mexican producer in the area.
To many, this turn of events has also marked the beginning of a new era when a fresh input of ideas and strategies will help further enhance the
reputation of Baja’s wine country. Dworsky’s fledgling boutique, Bodegas Marilena, also enjoyed a bronze medal win at a Long Beach wine competition a
little over a year ago, and they look forward to even greater success in years to come.
As a non-fluent-Spanish-speaking American living and producing wine in Mexico, he has certainly encountered his share of challenges on the road to
success – mostly involving the language barrier, government red tape and occasional water issues in this arid locale. But it's not necessarily the
promise of more medals that fuels his passion.
“The goal is not to get big,” Dworsky insists. “The goal is not to make a ton of money; the goal is not to have 10 different wines in our line. I want
to be very specific and very direct. I just want to make some great new wines for the Mexican market.”
And in that regard, he's already succeeded."
[Edited on 2-7-2013 by Gypsy Jan]
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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BajaBlanca
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How I would love a taste of that petit verdot tonght. It sounds so smooth.
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bajaguy
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Delivery
| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaBlanca
How I would love a taste of that petit verdot tonght. It sounds so smooth. |
Blanca....will be in Guerrero Negro with Shari watching whales on Feb 20-21. if you want a couple of bottles I can deliver.
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Islandbuilder
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We drove the Ruta de Vino this morning, and noticed lots of new land being planted. It was very green and lush after the recent rains.
Sorry I didn't see this earlier, I could have picked some up as well!
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Retireded
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Mood: Wishin' I was Fishin', Oh, I am!
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Who else noticed the altered signs along this route? PUTA DEL VINO?
Somone has a great sense of humor and time on his hands.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Islandbuilder
We drove the Ruta de Vino this morning, and noticed lots of new land being planted. It was very green and lush after the recent rains.
Sorry I didn't see this earlier, I could have picked some up as well! |
The wine is not for sale commercially.....yet
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DENNIS
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Location: Punta Banda
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Jay Dworsky does all of this vintner magic from the comfort of his home here in Punta Banda. He ain't no farmer. The author of the article is,
however, his neighbor.
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