Five Italian varietals will be featured at the Vino Italiano wine tasting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20, in the Fresno State Winery (2360 E. Barstow Ave., between Cedar and Maple avenues).
The public is invited to the event, which is presented by the winery, the Enology Society and the Viticulture and Enology Department at California State University, Fresno. Admission is $10, with a $5 admission available to Fresno State Wine Club members, faculty, staff, students and alumni.
“The community is invited to join us for a casual evening in the winery among the tanks as we celebrate the release of our new Italian varietals produced by our students,” said Dr. Robert Wample, Viticulture and Enology Department chair and director of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center.
Among the wines to be tasted are Fresno State’s recent gold medal-winning 2004 San Joaquin County Barbera, 2005 San Joaquin County Pinot Grigio, 2005 Fresno County Muscato, 2003 San Joaquin County Sangiovese and 2002 President’s Reserve San Joaquin County Primitivo.
Guests also will have the opportunity for barrel tasting and get a sneak peek at a new Italian blend recently produced by the enology students.
“Vino Italiano is a great way for wine lovers and enthusiasts to learn more about Fresno State wine and meet some of our enology students,” said winemaster Kenneth Fugelsang. The admission includes a taste of each featured wine, hors d’ oeuvres, coffee and dessert. Participants will be able to purchase wine at a discount.
Admission is payable at the door. Individuals must be at least 21 years old to attend. Inquiries should be directed to Kristen Westerfield at wstrfld4life©csufresno.edu or phone 559.278.4867.
BACKGROUND
Fresno State Vineyards is the first university winery in the United States with a license to produce and sell wine commercially (1997). Under the direction of the university’s winemaster and winemaker, students produce numerous varieties, many of which have received prestigious awards at international and national wine competitions. Fresno State Wines can be purchased at the Fresno State Farm Market, several retail outlets and at local restaurants. Details: visit www.FresnoStateWinery.com. Proceeds from sales benefit College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology programs.
The Enology Society is an organization independent of the university for individuals with an interest in the sensory evaluation of wine. Many upper-level enology students and people on and off campus join the society each semester. The society hosts weekly educational wine tastings, evaluating a different wine each week during the fall and meeting in the spring with guest winemakers to talk about processes used to produce wines being tasted. The Enology Society also provides support to the student Enology Club, Fresno State Winery and Department of Viticulture and Enology activities, such as co-sponsorship of events like Le Vin Nouveau each November and Vino Italiano in the spring. Membership is $60 per semester or $8 per tasting.
