Fresno State Wine Club members and viticulture and enology department alumni can now order the limited edition Petrucci’s Crush wine, named after the “father” of the department, Vincent E. Petrucci.

The 114 cases were blended from area Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot grapes by Fresno State students. The red wine blend is the first designed by Petrucci and Fresno State winemaker Matt Brain.

“This is a very big, dark red wine with an elegant balance of fruit, soft tannins and a long finish,” Brain said. “It is great to drink for the holidays, but will also lay down for years to come. Of all the wines I’ve been involved with this is the most special because it honors Dr. Petrucci. He is one of the state’s most respected winemakers and is known nationally and around the world for his impact on the industry through his and all of his students’ contributions.”

Petrucci, 91, started the nationally-renowned program in 1948 and taught viticulture for over forty years. He later served as director of the Fresno State Viticulture and Enology Research Center before his retirement in 1993. The wine also commemorates his wife of 69 years, Josephine, who supported him and his career before she passed away on Nov. 9 at the age of 91.

The wine was introduced on Dec. 1 at a special release event that included Petrucci, family, friends and alumni, along with the department’s faculty and staff.

The wine costs $29.95 per bottle. Wine club members will receive a 20 percent discount and can order up to three bottles online at Petrucci’s Crush.

The Fresno State Wine Club is free to join with a minimum annual commitment of three ($50) shipments in January, May and October. Each shipment of red and white wines contains four bottles, and all wines are 20 percent off to club members.

More information on the club is available through Fresno State Winery.com or by contacting winery  info@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.4867.