We are very excited to be able to offer for the first time in 2015: Barbera from the LMP ranch at Lanza Vineyards
Ron Casertano
Living the Dream
Raised in a traditional Italian community in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA, Ronnie’s passion for wine and winemaking is deeply rooted in Old World Tradition. A 41-year produce veteran, Ronnie’s early exposure to the fresh produce market was the catalyst for his interest in the wine grape industry. In his early years, Ronnie was mentored by the “old school” produce industry professionals. Reflecting on his mentors, Ronnie remembers “they really knew growing districts and understood why particular grapes grew well in specific appellations.”
As his interest in winemaking expanded, he avidly pursued sourcing the very best wine grapes to improve his craft wines and bring to the marketplace. In his pursuit of the best grapes, Ronnie gained knowledge of better winemaking techniques and practices first hand while visiting wineries and vineyards. He quickly recognized the value in sharing this experience.
“Ronnie has been responsible for helping home winemakers evolve in the Tri-State Area,” says Nino Sapone, a third-generation Pittsburgh area winemaker. “We have all benefited from Ronnie’s knowledge and complete understanding of the winemaking process. Quality is the name of the game.”
According to Ronnie, he has “the job everyone dreams of.”
“I get to share in tradition with friends and family,” he explains. “It never seems like work. I enjoy my ability to support the individual and club winemakers as well as visit and consult with wineries to find sustainable solutions for their long-term needs, and I get to enjoy wine along the way.”
Ronnie’s insatiable appetite for discovering new sources for grapes has not diminished. “I’m proud to say, Consumer Fresh Winemakers has a unique selection of estate grapes from California, wonderful Chilean grapes, along with distinctive opportunities from both Italy and the Great Lakes regions, and hopefully, very soon, from South Africa!”
Posts by Ron Casertano:
Making Great Sauvignon Blanc: Principles and Practices
Great wines start with great grapes. So, it’s important to select high-quality fruit. Here’s what to look for in a Sauvignon Blanc grape profile.
Cool climate appellations will yield wines with citrusy aromatics, forceful fruit, and herb influences. While warm climate appellations will result in wines with pronounced floral aromatics, which lend tropical fruit and melon elements to your wines.
Whichever wine region you select, the Brix profile (amount of sugar) of your fruit should range from 22 to 25. Avoid overripe high brix fruit.
The acid profile is a bit higher for Sauvignon Blanc than most vinifera wines. A concentration of .7 grams T/A per liter is the minimum desired, with an acceptable range as high as .85 to .9 grams per liter. This range will make for a clean, crisp presentation with brisk acidity.
You want to obtain a pH value of 3.5 or below. At this strength, stability in color and clarity are improved — a vital characteristic for a proper presentation.
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