Greystone Cellars
The Greystone Cellars wine has been produced exclusively for the Culinary Institute of America since 1995. Located in the old Christian Brothers Greystone building within the heart of Napa in St. Helena, Calif., the building has been home to the Christian Brothers Winery for over 107 years.
Since 1990, it has also been home to the west coast campus of the Culinary Institute of America and the Wine Spectator’s Greystone restaurant. The school is dedicated to courses for professionals in the studies of culinary arts and wine classes. The winemaking skills of Kimberlee Nichollas and the experience of President Bryan Del Bondio, both from Markham Vineyards, have been combined with CIA to produce Greystone Cellar wines.
By working together, they have created wines that are easy to drink and very approachable for everyone to enjoy with any meal. The labels for Greystone Cellars feature a different corkscrew on each wine. “The winemaker of the Christian Brothers, Brother Timothy was an avid collector of corkscrews and his collection, one of the most impressive in the world, is on permanent loan to the CIA at Greystone.” “When you purchase a bottle of Greystone Cellars a portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, a not for profit institute of higher education.”
The Greystone Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown in the Lodi, Calif. areas of Sacramento Delta and San Joaquin. The tasting notes from the winery describe the Cabernet Sauvignon as having “lively blackberry, vanilla and jam aromas that give way to a lush, juice palate loaded with sweet berry fruit.” This wine pairs well with a variety of foods, so try it with braised short ribs, or filet mignon with mushroom sauce, with aged gouda for the cheese course.
The Greystone Chardonnay is described as having freshly cut apple aromas with roasted nuts and citrus flavors. This wine pairs well alongside mussels with white wine sauce, or try it with your grilled salmon. For a cheese selection, pair this beverage with a ripe camembert.
You can pick up Greystone Cellars wine or order them at your favorite Acme Fresh Market stores. Greystone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay retail for $14.99 with a sale price of $9.99.
Wine Wisdom: The aroma of a wine is important because it’s directly connected to the flavor. Swirling the wine in the glass will help you experience all of the aroma’s nuance.