From: Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Sangiovese
Taste: Here, aromas are predominantly fruit-driven, with delightful notes of cherries and red raspberries. As you savor the wine, you will notice a harmonious interplay of mature, well-integrated tannins alongside lush fruit. The flavors of cherries and plums dominate the palate, with a lingering, cleansing note of black tea. The mouthfeel is light and fresh (though this wine is medium plus in body), making this wine extremely approachable and enjoyable.
This blend, with its fruit-forward and balanced nature, is a testament to the finesse and skill of Camillo Magoni. The separate harvest and fermentation of each grape variety, followed by vinification in stainless steel tanks, have preserved the freshness of the fruit. With an alcohol content of 13%, this wine is versatile, making it an excellent companion for various dishes.
Pairing: This red is as versatile as it is lovely. Pair with anything from Mexican mole and seasoned meats, like barbacoa, chorizo, and al pastor (not to mention birria tacos!), to cheese stuffed tortellini with rich tomato sauce, veal parmesan, chicken stew and roasted vegetables. Today, we’re sharing a recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Tacos With Hoisin and Ginger by Sam Sifton- a slight twist from the above suggestions, and one that’ll complement the buoyant nature of this wine wonderfully.
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos With Hoisin and Ginger
By Sam Sifton
About. When you think of regions that are famous for winemaking, Mexico may not be the first that comes to mind. But nestled in Baja California lies the Valle de Guadalupe, an oasis of vineyards and a rising star in the winemaking world. One of the remarkable wines from this region is the 2020 Casa Magoni Vino Tinto, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Sangiovese, which carries the essence and depth of this land.
The Winemaker Behind the Magic: Camillo Magoni
The story of Casa Magoni is incomplete without mentioning the man behind the vision: Camillo Magoni. Hailing from Morbegno, Italy, Magoni's journey took him from the picturesque landscape of Italy to the stunning terrains of Baja California. After obtaining an Enology and Viticulture degree from the esteemed Scuola Enolgica Di Alba in Piedmont, Italy, Magoni honed his craft at the renowned Nino Negri de Chiuro winery.
In 1965, he received an invitation that would change the course of his life and, ultimately, the wine industry in Baja California. He joined the L.A. Cetto winery at the behest of Angelo Cetto. With his affable nature, dedication, and relentless pursuit of knowledge, Magoni swiftly rose through the ranks. His passion for history, culture, and community made him an iconic personality, not only in the winemaking industry but also as a cultural custodian. His dedication to the region’s history led him to publish his book, “History of Vine and Wine in the Baja California Peninsula” in 2009.
Furthermore, Magoni’s contributions were recognized in Italy with the prestigious “La Stella al Merito del Lavoro” award in 2007.
Pioneering a Diverse Viticultural Landscape
What sets Casa Magoni apart is Camillo Magoni’s experimental spirit. Over the years, he acquired vineyards and cultivated an astounding variety of grapes, which includes Chardonnay, Fiano, Viognier, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and many more. This impressive variety has made the Magoni family one of the largest growers in Valle de Guadalupe, with over 278 hectares of vineyards boasting more than 110 different grape varieties.