Dante Merlot
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Michael Pozzan proudly presents Dante, named after his eldest son, Michael Dante Pozzan.
- Dante Collection is as rich in character as in culture, and as vibrant in personality as Michael’s son.
- Sourced primarily from Lodi, the wine carries a lot of depth and complexity that few wines at this price point show.
Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
Elaboration: Traditional vinification. Fermentation occurs in temperature controlled vats. The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of black plum and freshly roasted coffee leaping from the glass. The mouth is soft and engaging with flavors of blueberries and milk chocolate woven within a well-supportive structure of French oak. Baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance throughout the finish, which lingers on an extended caramel note.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Michael’s wine roots trace back to the late 1800’s in Piedmont, Italy where his great grandfather first planted vines. After traveling to America in the early-mid 1900’s, Michael’s grandfather moved to Sonoma where he planted 35 acres of Zinfandel in 1948. Some of these original vines still exist today and can be seen at the end of Pozzan Road in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. Michael grew up spending his summers at his grandparent’s vineyard and it is the foundation from which his passions spawned.
As a young adult, Michael became involved in the California wine industry working for several companies focused on imports and distribution. It wasn’t until 1990 that Michael, with the loving support of his wife Mary Ann, left his sales position to follow his dream of producing his own wine. Displaying a keen pallet and a knack for blending, Michael Pozzan released his first vintage in 1991, consisting of 200 cases. Over the years his success grew as he formed stronger relationships with winemaking peers and growers, giving him the edge in producing fine wines from the most competitive region in the country.
Now celebrating over 25 years of production, Michael is joined by his two sons, Dante and Matthew Pozzan, as the family winery looks to continue their passion of producing fine wines with balance and personality.