The Tasting Panel magazine

November 2015

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34  /  the tasting panel  /  november 2015 NEW IN TOWN C M Y CM MY CY CMY K H ow often do winery owners or winemakers express that their unique desire is to demystify wine and make it approachable, understandable and unintimidating? Just about as often as a politician promises to lower taxes. But when a new brand charts a demystification course, and suc- ceeds, the wine world sits up and pays attention. More often than not, these successes are the results of individuals who serve as the lynchpin to a brand. Take Ca' Momi, founded in 2006 by Valentina Guolo-Migotto, Stefano Migotto and Dario De Conti, a brand that has managed to insert itself into the heart of Napa Valley with the almost zealot-like ambition of demystify- ing wine and making it more approachable. Not only have they succeeded, but also the winery is experiencing explosive growth and expansion. In 2010, Valentina, Dario and Stefano opened Ca' Momi Enoteca in the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, California, where the focus is on pizza and wine—but not just any pizza. "My training began working as a pizzaiolo at my family's pizzeria while I was studying winemaking in col- lege," says De Conti. "When I moved here and opened Ca' Momi Enoteca with Valentina and Stefano, I became certified with the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) and Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (APN) of Italy, and have been striving to perfect my trade ever since." Those guidelines dictate ingredients, preparation and the manner of cook- ing, which at Ca' Momi is consistent: Pizzas are flash-cooked for 90 seconds in a 900-degree wood-burning oven and served (like it or not) without Parmesan cheese and chili flakes. And while some patrons may grumble about their right to condiments, none can deny the utter satisfaction derived from both Ca' Momi's well-made wines and overall culinary experience. In October of this year, De Conti and partners expanded beyond Oxbow and opened Ca' Momi Osteria at 1141 First Street in downtown Napa. They've also introduced "Ca' Momi Andiamo!" a full-serve mobile pizzeria and kitchen (read: food truck), complete with a wood-fired oven. Ca' Momi's total wine production hovers around 120,000 cases and their house wines—the Ca' Momi 2014 Rosso di Napa, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Petite Sirah, is rich and juicy with excellent acidity, while the Ca' Momi 2014 Bianco di Napa, a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Grigio, is light-bodied and refreshing with vibrant floral notes, green apple and pear—are part of the driving force behind Ca' Momi's "heartcrafted" wines, as described by De Conti. Beyond food and wine, Ca' Momi has also touched upon a lyrical nerve with consumers through their partnerships with various music festivals. For more information, visit www.camomi.com. Napa Valley Spirit, Authentically Italian CA' MOMI'S MINDFULLY CRAFTED WINES AND CUISINE ARE MADE WITH THE INTENTION OF BRINGING JOY TO THE TABLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE Napa. They've also introduced "Ca' Momi Andiamo!" a full-serve mobile pizzeria and kitchen (read: food truck), complete by Jonathan Cristaldi Dario De Conti, Ca' Momi's Chief Executive Officer, Winemaker and Master Pizzaiolo, making pizza for the first time in the Acunto Napoli Pizza oven at the new Osteria in downtown Napa. The all-Italian wine program at the new Osteria was handpicked by winemakers Dario De Conti and Stefano Migotto, and focuses on rare DOC and DOCG high-end Italian wine selections by the glass along with Ca' Momi wines (reserve and everyday wines) by the bottle and classic aperitivi. PHOTO COURTESY OF CA' MOMI PHOTO COURTESY OF CA' MOMI

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