Wine Inspired By Aphrodite. In Folklore dating back to pre-biblical times, the mandrake root was imbued with all manner of magical powers. It was known to be an antidote against enchantments, to make the barren fertile, and, most commonly, to have power as a love potion. Aphrodite, Greek Goddess of Love, was sometimes known as the “Lady of the Mandrake” for the root’s association with life’s carnal pleasures. Our wines pay homage to this sensual goddess, this magical root, and the tradition of winemaking that is as old as these two legends.
California
Mandrake Wine
OSHIN
This small-production label is firmly rooted in Armenian history and culture.
Oshin sources indigenous Armenian wine varieties, Areni and Voskehat, from select growers in Vayots Dzor to produce 700 cases of wine annually. The fruit is grown in volcanic soil on 40-60-year-old vines, and holds special significance for Oshin’s team. Vahe Keushguerian, Vahe Gabrache, and Arman Manoukian, who co-founded Oshin in 2017, compare these grapes’ resilience to the heart and soul of Armenia’s people.
The winery’s name honors a medieval monarch, King Oshin of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, who ruled the area in the 14th century.
Fattoria Montellori
About the Winery
Fattoria Montellori is located in Fucecchio, a small town in the western part of the province of Florence. Montellori has played an active part in the history of Tuscan wine. The largest vineyards of the Montellori estates, are 12 and 16 hectares respectively, and are located on deep soil of limestone clay loam at 150-200 m above sea level in the township of Cerreto Guidi. This part of Tuscany has long been an area for red wine, and in fact remains part of the territory in which Chianti can officially be produced. The philosophy behind the wines is simple: “work at our best in the vineyard to avoid intervention in the cellar”. Montellori still believes in the production and promotion of very well made Chianti DOCG, the same they try to produce every single day.
The Winemaker
Alessandro Nieri is the owner and winemaker at Fattoria Montellori. He is the fourth generation of the Nieri’s family. Alessandro took over the management of the Montellori estate in 1998 after a having shared these responsibilities with his father, Giuseppe (Bepi) Nieri, for many years. Alessandro has followed in his father’s footsteps, continuing to produce wines that demonstrate a deep understanding of the characteristics and potential of each single vineyard. His vision is clear and simple; he aims to create wines with a unique personality expressing both the family’s working philosophy and the specific character of the soil and climate of their place of origin, the terroir.
Harper Oak
Located north of Healdsburg and east of Geyserville, the Alexander Valley stretches 25 miles from north to south with the beautiful Russian River meandering through. The vineyards selected for Harper Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, found in Jimtown are adjacent from some of the most iconic producers of Alexander Valley.
Sitting on a bench above the Russian River at an altitude of nearly 300 feet, the vineyard is planted on clay and sandy loam soils that range in depth from 18 inches to 5 feet over compacted sandstone, with moderate fertility and good drainage, make it ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon.
NOA
Inspired by the story of Noah, who planted the first grapevines on the sunny slopes of Ararat, Noa’s founders set out to discover, reconnect with, and renew the origins of wine.
Meticulous to the core, they embarked on a serious quest for the finest terroir – and settled on select high-altitude sites within southeastern region of Vayots Dzor. Bright sunshine, high elevation, and minimal intervention during vinification by Master Oenologist Arman Manukyan contribute to the creation of exquisite wines.