October 20 , 2006, Rutherford, CA – Napa Valley ’s Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) has announced its debut release of Long Meadow Ranch Grappa. The brainchild of co-owner Ted Hall , the grappa was a last-minute product decision made on the eve of LMR’s devastating loss in the Wine Central Services warehouse fire in October 2005. The LMR cabernet sauvignon crop was being harvested at the time of the fire and Hall decided to double up on the products from that harvest.

      Grappa is a grape-based spirit made by distilling the pomace left over from the fermentation process during winemaking. Pomace consists of the skins, stems and seeds that settle to the bottom of the fermenters and would normally become part of LMR’s 200-ton annual compost production.

      Italian farmers near the town of Bassano del Grappa in the Veneto region began distilling grappa in the Middle Ages in an effort to maximize use of all components of the winemaking process. Single varietal grappas that highlight the flavor profile of the grape used were introduced in the early 1970’s and have been largely responsible for the devotion of grappa fanciers around the world today.

      In 2005, a portion of LMR’s mountain cabernet sauvignon pomace was delivered to highly regarded St. George Spirits in Alameda to be distilled into grappa. With juice still in the skins, this grappa was made using St. George Spirits’ steam jacketed small copper pot stills under the watchful eye of seasoned distiller Dave Smith. The pomace was distilled just long enough to derive the classic LMR red berry and black cherry characters.

      Distiller Dave Smith notes the LMR Grappa is “beautifully crystal clear with aromas of green apple, bell peppers and classic LMR black cherry. Flavors are lush and earthy with nutmeg and clove and the mouth finishes clean and verdant with an essence of a spring morning after a night of rain.”

      The Long Meadow Ranch Grappa is 40% alcohol (80 Proof) and is packaged in 375ml bottles. Historically, grappa is enjoyed by itself as a digestive after a meal but is also often added to an espresso and referred to as a Café Corretto.

     “It is true that there is opportunity in every adversity. Coupled with our organic, sustainable philosophy at Long Meadow Ranch, grappa was the most logical creation we could add to our growing menu of food products. It completes the table we are able to set as purveyors of fine food products: red wine, white wine, organic vegetables and fruits, olive oil, grass-fed beef and grappa,” says Ted Hall .

      Long Meadow Ranch reaches out to consumers with the LMR Corral Club , the LMR Corral Club Beef Graziers , and the full-color 22-page “Wine, Food & Farm Adventures” catalog. The LMR Corral Club focuses on the opportunity to purchase pre-release limited-production and large-format bottlings of wines, in addition to special invitations for members-only events at the Ranch, premium Prato Lungo and Napa Valley Select olive oils and logo merchandise. LMR Corral Club Beef Graziers focuses on seasonal grass-fed beef offerings in addition to the same value-added features as the LMR Corral Club . The second issue of the catalog which will be released in the Fall of 2006 features all of the products available from Long Meadow Ranch.

 

      Long Meadow Ranch has pioneered a distinctive approach to farming in the Napa Valley . With its motto, “ Excellence through Responsible Farming ,” owners Ted, Laddie, and Chris Hall have created an integrated, organic farming system that does not rely on the prevailing monoculture of grapes.

      Long Meadow Ranch Grappa is available in limited supply from the winery at P.O. Box 477, Rutherford, California, 94573, (where permitted under applicable law) or through the website at www.longmeadowranch.com . (Toll-free: 877-627-2645) The 375ml bottles are available for $35 and shipments will begin on October 1, 2006.

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Long Meadow Ranch is an innovative organic farming operation - and purveyor of fine food - located high above the Napa Valley on the picturesque slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains where it produces extraordinary wines, extra virgin olive oil, grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables for Napa Valley's finest restaurants. Long Meadow Ranch produces ultra premium wines and extra virgin olive oils, under the Long Meadow Ranch Winery, Ranch House Red, Prato Lungo, and Napa Valley Select labels. Beyond the Napa Valley, America's top chefs have regularly featured Long Meadow Ranch wines and olive oils.

Long Meadow Ranch has been known as such since 1872 when it was established as an original "patent grant" ranch signed over by President Ulysses S. Grant. Having been home to a variety of uses during its long history, Long Meadow Ranch continues to grow and prosper through Ted, Laddie and Christopher Hall's stewardship.

The Halls continue to restore and preserve Napa Valley's oldest olive groves, as well as add new plantings of olive trees and vineyards. They have also brought cattle, poultry, and vegetables back into commercial production. Appaloosa horse breeding, along with an extensive composting operation, round out the integrated farming activities at the Ranch.

"Excellence through Responsible Farming" is the motto of Long Meadow Ranch, bolstered by the belief that world-class products can be produced using sustainable, organic farming methods. Long Meadow Ranch does not use herbicides or pesticides and its products are organically grown and certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers.

Contact: Monty J. Sander
vox 707.253.8503
fax 707.253.8501
emax monty@longmeadowranch.com