fbpx

Find your next wine obsession, shop our current specials!

A Toast to “Nana”

Every family has its own cherished term of endearment—Nana, Nonna, Nonni—each evoking warmth and love. In the EFESTĒ family, our Nana Red Blend is a heartfelt tribute to “Big Papa” Daniel Ferrelli’s mother and Angela Taylor’s grandmother, Jenny Ferrelli. Born in Chicago and raised on a Walla Walla farm, Nana Jenny was a petite, blonde-haired blue-eyed ball of energy known for her vibrant personality and incredible cooking.

“Big Papa” Daniel Ferrelli fondly recalls family reunions with Nana and her 5 sisters, which were always filled with laughter when the women got together, sharing stories in a lively mix of Italian and English. Memories of foraging for greens and berries on the side of country roads, and trips to Yakima for fruit and produce, culminated in hours of cooking, canning, and freezing. One particularly fond memory involved foraging chanterelle mushrooms until dusk near Denny Creek—“[we] had enough to probably supply all of the Safeways in Seattle!”. Nana was the embodiment of warmth, laughter, and love, and we’re proud to honor her with Nana.

A Unique Blend

Styled after the traditional Right Bank Bordeaux, our Nana Red Blend is a distinctive blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Franc adds bright ruby color and a tart, mouthwatering acidity, while the Merlot contributes softer edges and warm baking spice notes. The result is a round, well-balanced wine that captures the comforting essence of Nana.

The Winemaking Process

The journey of our Nana wine begins in the vineyard. Meticulous planning ensures that both the Merlot and Cabernet Franc ripen simultaneously. This is a unique approach, growing the Cab Franc with one cluster per shoot to accelerate ripening, allowing for optimal co-fermentation—a key technique in crafting traditional Bordeaux-style wines. An extended maceration period further enriches its depth and complexity.

The Vineyard

Located in the Yakima Valley AVA, Red Willow Vineyard is one of Washington State’s oldest vineyards, established in 1971. Its unique terroir consists of steep hillsides, shallow rocky soils, and wind-blown loess with high concentrations of sand and silt, contributing to the distinctive character of this wine. Our grapes are grown and harvested from the Marcoux Block of Red Willow Vineyard, which is the western-most block featuring a gentle south-east facing slope. Soils here are classified as a Warden sandy loam.

Tasting Notes

This wine delights with a nose of sweet hickory smoke, black cherry, and raspberry. Our co-fermentation technique enhances its mouthfeel, offering a vibrant tapestry of ripe red fruit flavors. It’s a beautifully crafted wine meant to be savored for years to come.

Food Pairings

Our Nana pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for your dining table. Consider these pairings:

  • Italian Cuisine: Savor alongside a rich lasagna or creamy risotto with wild mushrooms.
  • Barbecue: The smoky notes complement grilled meats, such as barbecue ribs or smoked brisket.
  • Cheese: Aged cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar bring out the wine’s complexity.
  • Desserts: Try with dark chocolate desserts or berry tarts for a delightful finish.

Reviews and Accolades

Nana has received praise and accolades over the years, including:

  • 2019 – International Wine Report: “A blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot with fruit coming from the Red Willow Vineyard. It presents a medium to dark cherry-ruby core with a brickish rim. This is still a baby and needs some time in the bottle before the tannins soften and integrate. An outstanding nose of crushed boysenberry, green peppercorn, tilled earth, wet gravel, and a hint of leather. It’s balanced and lush on the palate and really comes together on the finish. A lovely wine.” — 95 Points
  • 2018 – Owen Bargreen: “The 2018 ‘Nana’ is a blend of 62% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Franc and just a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Lighter red bell pepper tones combine with chocolate covered red cherry, coffee grounds and shades of baking spices that all meld in the glass. Soft and round, with a silky mouthfeel, this outstanding wine shows a great combination of red and dark fruits, with minerals and tar on the palate. Outstanding to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035.”— 93 Points

Raise a Glass to Nana

Join us in celebrating the spirit of grandmothers everywhere with a glass of our Nana Red Blend.

Visit us in our Woodinville and SoDo Tasting Rooms to try Nana Red Blend today, or buy online now to share with your Nana!

Wine Club Members save up to 20% on all wines. Join the EFESTĒ Wine Club today to start saving!