By: Jason Limjoco
At Heritage, we’re SUPER blessed to represent some of the best wineries and people in the world…
Therefore, I have chosen (3) people who I think embody the “bad-ass-ness” that defines us at Heritage Wine Cellars.
Icon #1 Luca Currado of Vietti Wines
A Wine O.G. Born and Raised in the Hills of Piedmont
Highlights
5th generation winemaker from Castiglione Falletto in the heart of the Langhe
In 1952 Alfredo Currado married Luciana Vietti and took over the winery
Alfredo is credited with saving the Arneis grape from extinction
Their son Luca takes over the winery in 1990 after traveling abroad working for Simi, Opus One, Long Vineyards and Chateau Mouton Rothschild
Storytelling
The original Barbera vines (in Scarrone) were planted in 1918 by Luca’s grandfather Mario totaling less than a hectare.
Fast-forward to the 90’s…
Luca intends to replant some Grand Cru Barolo vineyards from Barbera to Nebbiolo. Instead, he accidentally plants MORE Barbera!
In turn, this happy accident, created one of the great examples of Barbera in all of Italy.
One defining characteristic of the aforementioned Barbera is that fact that it is aged in large oak casks for 18 months before release.
Icon #2 George Skouras of Domaine Skouras
The Father of Modern Greek Wine
Highlights
George Skouras studied in Oenology in Dijon, Burgundy and worked in various wineries spanning France
His vineyards are 3,400 ft in elevation which are some of the highest in Europe
This wine ushered in the era of modern Greek wines and thus began the changing of public perception that HERITAGE helped create
Storytelling
In 1986 Skouras returned to his native Peloponnese and founded Domaine Skouras out of his parents garage. Combing his developed knowledge of winemaking (gained in France) and his extensive training and experience with Greek varietals (such as Moscofilero and Agiorgitiko) Skouras was perfectly positioning himself to introduce the world to something truly unique…
In 1988, after two years of trial and error, he unveiled '“Megas Oenos”, a striking blend of Agiorgitiko and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French barriques for 18 months.
Icon #3 Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards
Highlights
Dunn’s fruit comes from illustrious Napa Valley appellations such as Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, Walla Walla and Horse Heaven Hills
He was one of the first winemakers to pick at higher “brix levels” during the 1980’s but to this day, maintains under 14% alcohol in his vinatges
Dunn SOLELY produces 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and his fruit comes from illustrious Napa Valley appellations such as Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, Walla Walla and Horse Heaven Hills
Storytelling
In 1975, Randy was the first winemaker for Caymus Vineyards. It was this winery that he created his 1978 ‘Special Select’ which scored a VERY IMPRESSIVE 98 points
In 1978, Randy and his wife Lori purchased 14 acres in Angwin on Howell Mountain with 5 acres devoted and planted to cabernet. This plot of land is the original “Trailer Vineyard”
The winery was bonded in 1981. With Randy at the helm full-time, 1985 was a banner year for Dunn Vineyards as every single vintage made completely sold out.
Today they farm 42 acres of Cabernet and control ALL aspects of the land with THREE generations in tow.
