Domenico Winery

Domenico Winery

San Carlos-based Domenico Winery hand-crafts in small lots to produce high quality wines. Domenico Winery use premium grapes from Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Santa Cruz Mountains, Amador County and Lodi. Dominick and Gloria Chirichillo’s choice of name for their winery is a reflection of their commitment to their Italian heritage and the tradition of family winemaking. In 1955 in New York, Dominick who is called Domenico in Italian was introduced to these traditions by his Nonno (grandfather), Domenico Giovinazzo. In the basement of their home was a wine press that Nonno showed Dominick; passing down from one generation to another the love of handcrafting wine. Here is a look at a few small batch wines they produce:

Domenico Nebbiolo 2006 – Medium-bodied  with a complex bouquet of juniper and anise spices and flavors of raisin, vanilla, plum and ripe cherry with a lingering finish of slight rose petals.  Exhibiting light tannins; pairs well with hearty stews, chicken cacciatore and hard cheeses.  Nebbiolo is Italy’s most noble red grape from Piedmonte. Amador County, California – 80% Nebbiolo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot – Sutter Creek, Vineyard. 126 Cases Produced, September 12, 2008, $28

MicroLiquor Wine Rating: 91 points

Domenico Primitivo 2007 - Medium to full-bodied, deeply colored, rich and concentrated, sometimes called the Mother of Zinfandel, Primitivo is grown by Dominick, owner and winemaker, at his Amador County vineyard.  Presenting aromas and flavors of ripe black fruit, blackberries, cocoa, plum spice, black licorice, tobacco and red cherries.  A sweet entry, well balanced with firm acids and tannins, pairing perfectly with rich and spicy dishes, lasagna, grilled lamb or beef and strong cheeses. 85% Primitivo, 15% Syrah – Vintage Estates Vineyard – Winemaker’s Vineyard 565 Cases Produced, September 3, 2011 $30

MicroLiquor Wine Rating: 90 points

Domenico Aglianico 2006 - A robust wine with firm tannins, high acidity and a long-drying finish, Domenico’s medium to full-bodied Aglianico exhibits aromas and flavors of cherry cola and black currant, with barrel spice lingering in the background, making this wine a perfect match for rich meats such as lambs. The tannins work nicely with a heavily marbled rib eye or oil marinated roasted vegetables. 100% Aglianico Sutter Creek Vineyard 234 Cases Produced – Release date: 2012 $35

MicroLiquor Wine Rating: 94 points

These wines were made with whole berry fermented in small open fermenters. 10-12 days maceration with 2-3 hand punchdowns per day. Aged in French and American oak for 11 months.