I have visited Boulder many times and have visited the local wine tasting rooms. Settembre Cellars was on my must visit list and we finally made it.
So what is the story behind Settembre Cellars and what does the name mean? Owners Blake & Tracy fell in love eating & drinking Italian food & wine. They made homemade pasta and basil pesto on their second date. They were married in the month of September and had their honeymoon in Italy
Settembre is Italian for September, a name that honors these influences.
Our niece Natasha joined us for tastings and dinner, after I ended my day in customer meetings. She and Chris spent the first part of the day hiking in the foothills of Boulder. After visiting the neighbor winery we walked to Settembre.
The hospitality lady was friendly and greeted us as we entered. All three of us opted in to the $10 wine tasting that was a mix of two whites and three reds.
The reds (Syrah, Sangiovese and Fiori) were interesting but I thought the whites (Riesling, Chardonnay) were really good. I have not tried many Riesling’s and thought 2011 Riesling (Dry) was very good. Next time we visit I want to try the Reserve Reds. While we were tasting we had the opportunity to meet owner/winemaker Blake. As he and I talked, we had many things in common. Blake graduated with a Certificate in Enology and Viticulture from UC Davis (as I will this September). He is also an Electrical Engineer.
Settembre uses 100% Colorado Grapes for every vintage. They know sourcing from out-of-state is often easier, and more affordable, but they are committed to Colorado. They believe Colorado Grapes can yield world-class wines, and they aim to be among the group of wineries that demonstrate it. I think Blake is doing a really good job!
Sight
Pale color depth with an amber hue.
Smell
Aromatic, young-fruity with aromas of pear and apple. The wine did not conduct Malolactic Fermentation so it retained is fruity aromas.
Taste
Dry, medium-bodied with balanced acidity. The tannins are weak. Crisp with a creamy mid-palate long slightly sweet finish. The Chardonnay was fermented in French oak barrels that give the wine a more round creamy mouth feel.
abv: 14.5%
How much: $27.00
Region/Appellation: Colorado, Grand Valley AVA
At the end of the tasting we purchased three bottles each of the 2010 Chardonnay and 2011 Riesling.
I rated the 2010 Settembre Cellars Chardonnay three glasses.
Life is too short to drink crappy wine. Expand your palate and keep trying.
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