01 May San Rucci
San Rucci
6201 Schirra Ct, Suite 7, Bakersfield, CA 93313
www.sanrucci.com
Region: California’s Central Valley
Owner: The Merz Family
Winemaker: Bill and Tony Merz
About: San Rucci is an urban winery based in the California’s Central Valley. The name San Rucci is the combination of our two family names – the San Filippo’s and the Becherucci’s. Because we do not own any vineyards, we are able to work with grape growers throughout the state to craft a variety of wines including some Italian varieties that are not often found throughout the new world. Salute!
What is your favorite forgotten grape? Falanghina
What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? While working for a previous employer, I had the opportunity to taste wines made from an “experimental vineyard” planted with various forgotten grapes. It was rather thought provoking to taste these wines.
What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? I think the thing I like the most about the forgotten grapes is the curiosity of what could be. There are so many forgotten grapes that are unique on their own but then add terroir, it’s fascinating. There will always be a place for grapes like Cabernet, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, but there are so many other varieties that make interesting and delicious wines. It is fun to introduce the forgotten varieties to wine drinkers.
