Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/391612
46 / the tasting panel / october 2014 INTRO-VINOUS by Brian Kustera O pening a bottle of wine is delving into a celebration: With each sip and every toast, we create memories and develop stories that nour- ish, entertain and delight us. While we often speak of pairing wine with our favorite dish, we are just as meticulous in choosing the perfect bottle for life's special moments. Whether it be cozying up by the fire with your favorite mystery novel or swinging on the patio swing with an old friend—there's always the right taste and the right bottle. With that idea embedded into its foundation, Prairie Creek Beverages' Manuscript Cellars began many years ago with a driving passion to create wines to match the most memorable and magical moments in our lives. From the refreshing, fruit-forward Chardonnays to the richly seductive Cabernets, the sweet reds to the dry whites, Manuscript offers a library of wines that provides the perfect pairings for any occasion. "Just like being in the moment with a riveting, fully-encompassing book, good wine—drunk alone or with the right company—brings you into the same magical moment. Manuscript celebrates and cherishes these precious times," says Manuscript Cellars owner Mike Howard, a passionate man who couldn't be more proud of his wine venture. "Yes, we have lifestyle brand messaging," he says, "but we aren't a gimmick. The DNA of the wine is superb, and the result is a delicious wine with depth and character that stands on its own," he rightfully boasts. Crafted from preeminent vineyards in prime California regions such as the Russian River Valley and Central Coast—and also sourced in collabora- tion with acclaimed wineries from across the globe—Manuscript brings consumers the poetry of prime varietal vintages. Manuscript comes in two tiers. The appellation-designed "Limited Edition" series includes four popular varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir—at prices ranging from $12.99 to $15.99. The popularly priced "Bookbinder" series attracts value-seeking consumers at a line price of $9.99. Manuscript's Russian River Valley Chardonnay—smooth, buttery char- acter with notes of pineapple and vanilla—and the California Cabernet Sauvignon—deep, round flavors of black cherry emerging over notes of rich espresso, dark chocolate and toasty oak—are currently the most popular varietals, and they are performing extraordinarily well at restau- rants and bars. While Manuscript is not yet widely distributed in chain grocery stores, the brand is quickly expanding its distribution—of the total 23 states they are in, ten were launched in the last 60 days, and H-E-B Grocery Stores in Texas have stocked their shelves with the popular Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Distribution will continue to grow as their Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon is added to Southern California grocery giant Ralphs this month. With an exciting brand message that appeals to the masses and a delicious flavor profile that writes itself, Manuscript Cellars invites wine drinkers to join them on the journey to explore the world of wine, food and the story in every bottle—and it appears that they're heading straight to that fairytale happy ending. Once Upon a Wine WITH NEWLY EXPANDING DISTRIBUTION, MANUSCRIPT CELLARS CELEBRATES THE STORY IN EVERY BOTTLE Manuscript offers a library of wines that provides the perfect pairings for any occasion. Manuscript Cellars invites consumers to celebrate the magic of pairing wine with their favorite moments.