Tsillan Cellars to Release First Malbec

Tsillan Cellars to Release First Malbec
Winery First to Recognize Chelan AVA’s Geographical Link to Mendoza, Source of Exemplary Argentinean Malbecs

CHELAN, Wash.—(September 29, 2009) — Tsillan Cellars is celebrating the release of their first Estate Malbec under the newly minted Lake Chelan AVA label.

Malbec originated in the Bordeaux region of France as one of the five primary blending grapes before finding its niche in the sun-drenched Mendoza region of Argentina. Nestled against the Andes Mountains, the Mendoza region boasts a dry, continental climate that produces first-rate Malbec grapes.

In 2002, Tsillan Cellars owner and founder Dr. Bob Jankelson observed the striking similarity between Chelan’s continental climate and Argentina’s Mendoza region and planted Malbec vines. Much like the vineyards of Mendoza, Tsillan Cellars’ estate Malbec vineyards lie directly adjacent to the North Cascade Mountains, and enjoy roughly 300 days of sunshine per year, receive approximately 8–10 inches of annual precipitation and see some 3,000 heat units distributed over long, hot summer days and cool nights. Mendoza also shares an undeniably rich apple-growing history with the Chelan Valley.

When Tsillan Cellars planted their first Malbec vines it was with the intent of using it as a traditional Bordeaux blender, however barrel-tasting the 2004 vintage identified the Estate Malbec as a “star” that was too good to mix. Jankelson immediately planted additional acreage.

The first release of Tsillan Cellars’ Estate Malbec will be offered to wine club members in November with the opportunity to purchase through Thanksgiving. It becomes available to the general public on December 1st.

2007 Tsillan Cellars Estate Malbec ($23)
Harvest date: October 7, 2007
Brix at harvest: 24
80% Malbec, 20% Merlot
Aged: 18 months on French oak, 40 percent new; 60 percent used.
Tasting notes: Bright red hues fill the glass from edge to edge. The nose shows amazing aromas of cherry, violet and rose with pleasing waves of vanilla, maple and subtle anise. The palate welcomes bright cherry, plum and currant with distinctive note of spice, finishing with smooth tannin and pleasant acid balance. This Estate Malbec is a wonderful food-pairing wine; it is particularly fine with red meat and hearty game.

Tsillan Cellars (pronounced “Chelan”) is located at 3875 Highway 97A, Chelan, Wash., in the Lake Chelan AVA, and is named after the native word for the lake, meaning “deep water.” Established in 2000, the 135-acre estate winery is focused on becoming Washington State’s premier estate white wine maker under the direction of Head Winemaker Shane Collins. It released its first vintage in 2004 and is the largest producing winery and vineyard estate in the Lake Chelan AVA, producing 7,000 cases. Tasting room hours are daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; call the winery for off-season hours. The winery’s Sorrento’s Ristorante is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 9 p.m. For more information, call (509) 682-9463 or visit www.tsillancellarswines.com

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Source: Dr. Robert Jankelson, Owner and Founder

Available for Interview: Dr. Robert Jankelson to speak about Chelan’s AVA and Tsillan vintages

Media Note: Samples are available upon request, as available

Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757