HandCraft Wines Review

I love stories of local winemakers, recently we tried some new wine from vineyards in Monterey, CA.  Cheryl Indelicato, Proprietor, has launched HandCraft Artisan Collection wines as an ultimate expression of her lifestyle and history. Growing up in one of California’s premier wine-growing families, Cheryl developed a caring attitude about people and wine. Today – along with her siblings and cousins, the third generation – Cheryl is leading the family business into a new era. Cheryl’s lifestyle is a perfect blend of artful California living and traditional Italian values.

Not only do they make great wine, as part of her passion to make a positive difference in people’s lives, Cheryl created the program “HandCraft Cares” that supports important causes with financial and in-kind contributions. In 2012, HandCraft raised $100,000, to support breast cancer research, prevention and awareness. Cheryl is also personally involved in a number of initiatives at the community level to increase awareness and early detection of breast cancer.

My writer and I tried out a red and white blend and really enjoy HandCraft wines.  My bottle was the 2011 Chardonnay, a dry Chard is my husband first choice when purchasing wine.  I always prefer a sweet white and I was in love with this Chardonnay at first sip.  There’s a sweet and slightly tart taste dancing on my tongue with peach and citrus at the forefront.  I could drink this on a warm spring day or cool night and it wouldn’t get old.  My husband enjoyed it as well though it wasn’t dry and was surprised as it was refreshing like a spritzer without the carbonated drink added!

Merrie tried out HandCraft’s 2010 Petite Sirah from California.

Our family was having a cheese fondue night, so wine was a perfect pairing.  The first thing we noticed about the Petite Sirah was the color — it’s a very rich and deep purple shade, and it smelled wonderful.  The first taste went down very nicely — it’s not dry, it’s not sweet and it’s not overwhelming.  It’s just the right level of everything, with a perfect fruity flavor that makes it a decent wine to serve with just about anything.  For me, it was ideal with the cheese and bread and veggies that we were enjoying.  It quenched my thirst and only added to the flavor of the meal.  I’m looking forward to trying other varietals of wine from HandCraft, but this one is definitely one I’d like to have on my shelf any day of the week.

For more information on HandCraft wine, recipe pairings, and where to buy, check out http://www.handcraftwines.com

Wine sent to facilitate review, all opinions our own.