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ARGER-MARTUCCI VINEYARDS
A Napa Valley Hidden Gem
by Anna Wayne
With an annual production of 5,000 cases, Arger-Martucci Vineyards
is one of the most intimate and unique tasting experiences in the
Napa Valley. During your poolside tasting that offers views of the
western Mayacamas Mountains and neighboring vineyards, you will
have the opportunity to enjoy your own picnic lunch, as well as the
company of one of the tasting room’s knowledgeable staff members.
The relaxing atmosphere and oasis-like environment allows you to do
exactly what you want to: take your mind off the real world and focus
on the wine you are drinking.
Founded in 1998, the partnership of Arger-Martucci Vineyards is
more than a business venture between two owners; it is a love and
appreciation of making great wine that is shared by two families – one
of Greek, the other of Italian descent. Owned and managed by the
Argers and Martuccis, the enterprise is a culmination of varied talents
and expertise with one common goal: to produce limited amounts of
premium handcrafted wine.
The winery produces over ten different varietals, most of which are
harvested from Arger-Martucci’s estate vineyard located 1,350 feet
above the valley floor in the Atlas Peak region of Napa Valley. Two of
their flagship wines include a red proprietary blend, the Odyssey, and a
white proprietary blend, the Iliad. Demonstrating the true art of winemaking,
both blends exemplify the masterful skill and expert palate of
Owner, Winemaker and practicing Cardiologist, Dr. Kosta Arger. The
2005 Odyssey, their Estate Reserve and wine that was recently awarded
93 Points/Cellar Selection in Wine Enthusiast, is a Bordeaux-style
blend that contains varying amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and now Syrah. It is an incredibly
complex and elegant wine with layers of chocolate and black cherry.
These delightful characteristics are derived from both the volcanic soils
on Atlas Peak and the winemaker’s use of French, American and
Hungarian oak.
The Iliad was released August 1, 2009 and is now their top-selling
wine. It serves as a complement to the Odyssey, and achieves a body,
flavor and richness that prove superior to any of its individual parts.
The four aromatic varietals that compose the Iliad are Viognier, Sauvignon
Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Muscat of Alexandria. The bouquet
is truly exotic with an immediate impression of melon, pear and even
coconut. The mouth-feel is incredibly rich with hints of tropical spice,
which suggests Viognier first, then Gewurtztraminer, and finally, a hint
of grapefruit from the Sauvignon Blanc. There is a small amount (less
than one-half of one percent) of residual sugar, which enhances the
richness on the palate. This wine serves as a wonderful aperitif and is
an excellent complement to spicy foods.
Dr. Arger’s winemaking style has always maintained elements of
traditional techniques. The 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir is a classic
example of how he has been able to bridge the gap between the
reserved elegance of the old world and lush complexities of new world
fruit. Boasting a rich nose of plum and chocolate-covered black cherries,
this Pinot is perfectly balanced on the palate and reveals a garnet
color true to Burgundy.
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example of why Napa
Valley is the best region in the United States to produce this varietal.
Aged in French, American and Hungarian oak, this Napa Cab contains
a small amount of Merlot, which slightly softens the tannins. There are
many layers of complexity with nuances of cinnamon and tobacco in
this wine.
Their gold medal winning and very popular Syrah exhibits rich
flavors of cherry and white pepper. Not an overwhelming mouthful,
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