Press Release Archives
2007 Napa Valley Wine Grape Harvest Begins at Mumm Napa
RUTHERFORD, Calif., Aug. 7, 2007 -- The Napa Valley’s winegrape harvest began early this morning at Mumm Napa winery, one of California’s top producers of sparkling wine. Picking began in the cool, pre-dawn hours at the Rodgers Vineyard, located just north of the town of Napa in Yountville. The first grapes entered Mumm Napa’s Rutherford winery at about 10:00 a.m., where the occasion was marked by winemaker Ludovic Dervin’s traditional toasting of the grapes, the winery’s celebratory ceremony commemorating founding winemaker Guy Devaux, and a 100-bottle cork-pop salute by the winery’s team.
Approximately 18 tons of Pinot Noir were picked by Mumm Napa early Tuesday, and the grapes were transported to Mumm Napa in the winery’s signature yellow lug boxes, which ensure the gentlest possible handling of the grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes used in the production of sparkling wine are traditionally harvested at lower ripeness levels than those used to create still wine.
“Overcast mornings, cool nights, and bright sunny days made for ideal weather conditions prior to this year’s harvest,” noted winemaker Ludovic Dervin. “I anticipate a very promising quality harvest for 2007 in the Napa Valley.”
For the first time, Mumm Napa will provide a link to a video documentation of the day’s events, including footage of the first grapes being harvested, the grapes being brought into the crush pad area, and interviews with the winemaking team. Video coverage can be viewed at http://www.mummnapa.com/ beginning Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Mumm Napa is one of California’s top sparkling wine producers and one of the most popular destinations for wine country visitors. For more than 20 years, Mumm Napa sparkling wines have set the standard for California méthode traditionelle, emphasizing the exceptional qualities of Napa Valley fruit along with the unique casual elegance of Napa Valley style. The winery and visitor center are located in Rutherford along the Silverado Trail in the Napa Valley and are open daily for tours, tastings and private events. Visitor center and fine art photography gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For additional information on visiting the winery and its exhibits, call 707-967-7700 or access the Mumm Napa website at http://www.mummnapa.com/.
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA, based in Purchase, N.Y., is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits and wine brands in the United States and is one of the fastest growing subsidiaries of the world’s #2 spirits company and #4 wine company, Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard, S.A. The completion of Pernod Ricard’s acquisition of Allied Domecq in 2005 vaulted Pernod Ricard USA to the forefront of the U.S. spirits market, doubling the company’s sales value and market share. The company is now the third largest in the U.S. spirits industry by sales value and the fifth largest by sales volume in the U.S.
Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include Kahlúa® Liqueur, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Malibu® flavored Rum, Stolichnaya® Vodkas, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Wild Turkey® Bourbon, Beefeater® Gin, Hiram Walker™ Liqueurs and Martell™ Cognac, as well as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate® wines, Perrier Jouët® Champagne, Mumm® Champagne and Mumm Napa™ wines, and Pernod® and Ricard® Liquors. Enjoy Pernod Ricard’s brands responsibly and in moderation.