D.A.Ranch Releases First Annual Reserves
Historic D.A.Ranch marked the release of its first reserve wine vintage Oct 29 by opening the doors of its 100-year-old barn for a harvest-themed celebration. The occasion introduced the label’s 2014 vintage reserves as well as several new vintages of the D.A.Ranch mainline wines. Each of the wines produced by the label is crafted from 100 percent estate fruit, a rarity in the Arizona wine industry. And each of the wines is named after a piece of the estate history, such as the Red Barn Red Syrah.
The ranch is owned by the Petznicks, a fourth generation Arizona family who operate one of the oldest privately owned agricultural and cattle businesses in the state. Earl Petznick and his wife, Pat, purchased the ranch in 2000 for a family retreat, but the family quickly recognized its potential and planted vineyards with varietals that thrive in Cornville, Arizona’s elevation and moderate climate. Varietals include syrah, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, tannat, seyval blanc and next year’s first harvest of tempranillo.
Guest enjoys a flight of reds
Oct. 29 tastings on the ground level of the D.A. Ranch barn
Melinda Petznick, wife of Earl Petznick Jr., has been the driving force behind the D.A.Ranch label, and calls it a labor of love, saying “Each vintage shares a piece of our family history and is very personal to us.”
Guests at the Oct. 29 release enjoyed music by Arizona native Harry Luge, hearty barbecue by John Christ of Wil’s Grill, and vineyard tours by vineyard foreman Andrew Villaverde. The serene ranch setting was at once elegant and picturesque.
Arizona musician Harry Luge
Many guests opted for the seated culinary and wine experience offered. In the loft of the D.A.Ranch barn, guests were guided by host and co-owner Melinda Petznick through a paired menu by Abbie Ashford, owner and chef of Abbie’s Kitchen in Cottonwood. Guest speakers including Eden Archer, general manager, and Jeff Hendricks, vineyard manager and co-owner of Cottonwood winery Chateau Tumbleweed, added to the interactive atmosphere, each sharing the journey of the individual wines and stories of the estate itself.
The table setting in the barn’s loft
Abbie Ashford of Annie’s Kitchen in Cottonwood created the food pairings.
“Not only are these wines a beautiful representation of our unique terroir, they represent a passion and dedication,” Archer said.
The ranch plans to make the event an annual occurrence.
A select number of the D.A.Ranch wines can be found at retailers throughout Arizona.
PHOTOS COURTESY D.A.RANCH
