Anna Monticelli studied abroad at the Sorbonne in France for a year during her senior year at UC Davis, learning French language and culture before returning to the United States. After graduating, she returned to France to further her studies at Ch. Cheval Blanc, a top chateau in Saint-Emilion, and then worked for the Bryant family in Napa.
Her husband Mario, whose father was an Italian and was a winemaker at Gallo, also studied viticulture and brewing at UC Davis. After graduating, he gained experience in Italy before returning to Napa and working as an assistant to Philippe Merka for four years. He then worked at several prestigious wineries, including Trinchero, before starting his own brand with Anna.
Contracted vineyard / Fermentation: French oak barrels Aging: 30 months in French oak barrels (40% new barrels)