I first got to spend time with winemaker Manolo Gomez at Paul Vigna's annual Eastcoast wine industry meetings. There I fell in absolute love with his Sugarloaf Mountain Petit Manseng 2021. A fresh, vibrant wine, with exceptional flavor and balance. But who was this man?
According to the winery, "Originally from Peru, Manolo worked in the corporate world as an area manager in the Sales and Distribution Division of a major Peruvian brewery before coming to the U.S. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business in Peru, a Masters degree in Marketing Management in Polythecnic University of Madrid, and his Winemaking and Viticulture Certificate at UC Davis."
Manolo has been working at Sugarloaf Mountain for more than a decade. He started as a vineyard laborer, then vineyard supervisor, winemaker assistant, and vineyard manager. Finally, he achieved the position of Winemaker at the beginning of 2012 and has been so for the last 13 years. And he's been doing a phenomenal job!
When you meet Manolo, he's a very nice fellow. He's very down to earth, and confident, but not showy. He's just as happy standing against the wall letting others talk, as he is in the middle of the room, entertaining, teaching, and leading - whether at a tasting or at a conference.
I saw the folks from SMV last fall, and tasted some incredibly lovely wines. The Viognier was super aromatic and tasty with notes of peach and apricot. Dry as a bone, but juicy fruit up front. The Rose was a big dry dose of fresh cut strawberries and watermelon. Lovely acidity, and terrific flavor. A lovely rose'. And then there was the Circe Red 2023 is a fruit forward, early release red. Medium in body, it is a bright, fresh cherry bomb with a touch of spice and earthiness. A fantastic food wine, and versatile too - perfect for lunch or light dinners.
Thank you, Manolo!