“My main focus here is Atelier Melka. What we do is make great wines and truly enjoy this valley.”
Koschitzky works with private clients as well.
That brand is Brilliant Mistake, which produces a riveting small lot, ultra premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Stacy & John Reinert rely on their consulting winemaker, Maayan Koschitzky heavily to produce their Napa Valley brand. So I am heading up Napa Valley to the quaint and somewhat subdued town of St. Helena. Koschitzky’s been in the valley for a little over five years and his impact has definitely been felt. First at Screaming Eagle, and the last three years at Atelier Phillipe Melka. He also has a number of clients he consults for.
“Napa Valley is an amazing place. There’s a lot of diversity in a very small valley.”
Koschitzky wasn’t always going to be a winemaker. He comes from a family of farmers growing fruits and vegetables. Born and raised in Israel, he went to school and studied engineering. Disheartened by the prospect of sitting at the computer all day he longed for the outdoors. Returning to farming would solve that problem. The correlation between engineering and winemaking was evident to Koschitzky. Engineering gave him the experience he needed working with machinery. Wineries required machinery to do the heavy lifting. Machinery use is pervasive in the wine industry. It’s used for harvest, crush, fermentation, aging, and packaging. A change to winemaking would enable him to leverage his creative abilities and his technical skills while embracing his love for farming. The vineyards would prove to be key grounds to learn from and enable him to expand his knowledge base growing vines. He made the switch in 2005 to winemaking.
“The truth is, Napa Valley is a very expensive place to make wine.”
Israel entered the grape growing realm with vineyards planted in the late 1800s by Baron Edmond de Rothschild. The wineries started by making Kosher wine and tended to be sweet and the mono dimensional. Today, with over 20,000 acres and state-of-the-art irrigation which was created by Israeli farmers and engineers they have already learned a great deal about working in arid and climates with little water. The Israeli’s are the inventors of drip irrigation, a technology that has revolutionized vineyard farming and is widely used in California. Thriving in this area are many of the grapes popular in Napa Valley, which would one day become home to Koschitzky.
In 2008 Koschitzky went to work for a mentor who would help change his trajectory. Dr. Yair Margalit was interested in winemaking as a visiting research professor at U.C. Davis. He was later instrumental in creating Israel’s first serious boutique winery. The Margalit Winery creates some of the best reds in Israel, from Bordeaux blends (Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) including Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc. It was a perfect training ground for Koschitzky who remained with Margalit for three years.
“Napa is the World of Cabernet Sauvignon”
Pondering the possibility of Napa Valley, he first discussed a move with his wife. Shortly after, a friend returned to Israel from Napa Valley the stage was set. He and his family would head to Napa for Harvest and to expand his wine education at U.C. Davis. In 2011 he applied for several internships in The Valley. The first call back was for an interview with none other than Screaming Eagle. One of the several revered cult wines in “The Valley”. Koschitzky was unfamiliar with the brand at the time. The brand wields Bottles of this cult wine range from $1995.00 to $2450.00 if you’re not in the wine club. If you want to get into the Screaming Eagle wine club the waitlist is approximately 15 years. The magic in the bottle as I’ve heard is ethereal.
He flew in for the interview and after it was over returned to his wife and told her “Let’s do this!”. Taking a step back as an intern, gave him a unique perspective having already been a winemaker. He learned the ropes at Screaming Eagle’s state of the art winery. The winery was completed just before Koschitzky joined the 2011 Harvest. The philosophy of Screaming Eagle would change how Koschitzky thought about winemaking. The philosophy was unique. No expense spared, the best vineyard, and only exceptional fruit makes the cut.
Maayan Koschitzky is the director of winemaking at Atelier Phillipe Melka (a wine consulting venture) and Melka Wines. Atelier Melka is responsible for creating wine for close to 20 clients, with renowned winemaker & entrepreneur Phillipe Melka. Koschitzky says Melka is an authentic artist who loves what he does. With 25 years in the game, Melka and his wife Cherie launch their own state of the art winery on the Silverado Trail. They will celebrate the opening with the first harvest of the year.
“I’m trying to make a wine that is a winemaker’s wine. I’m not looking for high price points, but a fun, fresh wine. A more approachable, day to day wine.”
Koschitzky provides clients with design and implementation services of wineries. His next step is creating his own brand. He’s partnered with Silverado Farming Company to make his own line of wines called La Pelle (meaning shovel in French). It’s coming full circle for him as he returns to his roots. He explains, “In our story, we went to that name and the brand (La Pelle) because that is who we are. On the farming side, we’re digging the soil and planting the vines. Once the tank is dry and we are ready to go to the barrel, we drain the juice to the barrels. We dig the tank out with shovels. It felt like the right tool to close the cycle of the brand.”
The first vintage for La Pelle will be bottled this year. A Sauvignon Blanc from old vines that have been dry-farmed in St. Helena. “This year’s Sauvignon Blanc looks really fantastic. The flavors are excellent as is the yield,” says Koschitzky. At the time of this post, the Chardonnay was just two weeks from harvest. The La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon will be bottled in May of 2018.
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
BBQ, Celebration, Wine, and Convenience are all necessary components of entertaining. But how do you make it even better?
Where to Stay: Napa Valley’s Meadowood Meadowood. Blissful Spa Experiences, Sublime Dining and Luxury. UPDATE: Meadowood sadly was impacted by the fires in Napa Valley
Chateau Bellefont-Belcier
Today Chinese investment has a major stake in Bordeaux St. Emilion appellation. With over 160 estates in the region owned by Chinese. Peter Kwok (head of CITIC and based in Hong Kong) is part of this influx of Chinese investors having made investments in 8 estates in the past 24 years. Chateau Bellefont-Belcier is the crown jewel, marking a prized piece of French wine heritage.
Founded by Count Belcier in the late 18th century, from a powerful Bordeaux family, the estate has all the trappings of a Grand Cru destination. Well-heeled neighbors and an indisputable pedigree in history. The vineyards are surrounded with epic neighbors including Château Pavie, Château Larcis-Ducasse and Château Tertre Roteboeuf. The south facing hillside where their grapes are grown consists of a limestone plateau, clay and limestone slopes and plots located at the foot of the hill.
For the purposes of this post I tasted three vintages by Chateau Bellefont-Belcier. Two under the previous owner prior to Kwock, and the 2018 under the management and ownership of Peter Kwock.
The 2016 was a solid presentation. 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 80% new barrels. Bright and bold black cherry, floral notes intertwined with anise and forest floor. Lovely expression.
For the 2017, sadly there was TCA in this. It doesn’t say anything about the vintage. I wasn’t able to taste.
The 2018 was the absolute hero of this vertical. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It sets the precedent for Peter Kwock’s vintages and what to expect in the future. The nose is swoon worthy. Decadent floral notes, roses, violets and spice, along with concentrated black fruit compote of blackberry and plum. The tannins are there, but as part of the ensemble adding the distinct aspect of unmistakable elegance and polish. Age worthy, delicious to enjoy now and what a treat. Bravo~!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell
Learn more: vignoblesk.com
2020 Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé
Well crafted Rosé, with thought, intent and expertise behind it creates a medley of sensations with memorable taste as its hallmark. This effort executed by the sensational winemaking team at Stoller Estate, led by 17 year vet, winemaker & VP of winemaking, Melissa Burr.
The Stoller Estate is one of the first Oregon wineries I had the pleasure of visiting. To this day, that experience leads when I think of Oregonian wine. The vineyards located are the largest adjacent single plot of 225 acres under vine. These cool climate experts have 108 sections with 10 different varieties planted with 158 acres of Pinot Noir.
It makes sense that this beautiful bottle of Rosé is part of that very block of Pinot Noir. Whole cluster ferment in steel tanks lends a compelling dimension to this fragrant example of well made Rosé. Discover the elegant aromatics of a field of warm strawberries and nectarine. Memorable notes of the juice of luscious watermelon, and the crispness of citrus with a satisfyingly long finish.
Pairings…. This wine compliments everything. I had it with margarita pizza… But it tastes great alone and with almost everything you can put in front of it. Decadently versatile!
$28
At Stollerwine.com
#Sample #TheWineSiren #NapaValley
Provence…. For all of its delights, AIX-en-Provence is a destination to be tasted. Both visually and spiritually. Quiet, peaceful. A simple tranquility penetrating your soul. Like the Mistral, once in your memory, on your lips, the essence of Provence never leaves you. It’s languid state always a backdrop for thoughts of AIX .
~ The Wine Siren
The floral scents of this rose are a pristine expression of Provence Rose. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault with the aromatics of florals, red berries, highlights the distinct freshness & minerality. The power of passion behind it, the beauty and elegance behind it make it a pleasure to sip, share and enjoy.
Grown at one of the highest elevations in the AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, 420 meters above the sea at Mason Saint AIX. The color is distinct. This salmon hued beauty is always a treat year round.
For me, this wine is part of my summer. But it is also a part of my life. Low alcohol, easy sipping, perfect for entertaining, as an aperitif and enjoying with friends. It makes every enjoyable experience that much better. Do you AIX?
#TheWineSiren #Ad
When your breathless with excitement over summer fun, step up your wine game with a high quality luscious example of Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley.
@sonomacutrer got off the ground in 1973 when visionary wine producer Brice Cutrer Jones, a decorated Vietnam combat fighter pilot determined he could successfully grow Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley.
Today, Mick Roeter carries the torch as Director of Winemaking.
On my lips. This expressive and voluptuous Award Winning Rosé of Pinot Noir. Not one you would dare toss an ice cube in but rather savor ever drop warm or cold. Fresh and vibrant, mouthwatering strawberry, succulent blood orange, zesty lemon all together with a long and bright finish.
Your summer is absolutely not complete with several bottles of this chilled and within reach.
After all. You deserve top Rosé don’t you?
#Sample #TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine
Eat Italian!
I loved getting back to a #NapaValley favorite. The delightful @dongiovanni_ristorante . Which I highly recommend. It’s divine to sit out under the umbrellas and next to the vineyards.
#2 perfect prepared halibut which is in season right now and not always on the menu. Pan seared to perfection and served with lightly sautéed greens.
Other dishes that are must tastes:
Mandili paper thin Handkerchief pasta tossed with Genoese basil (the real deal).
The octopus and arugula salad!
The lemon cream ravioli with bellwether ricotta. Breathtaking!
Best possible pairing with the halibut
#3 And the stage of the grapes in Napa Valley this week. Green jewels!
#4 the ever delicious @umanironchi Abruzzo VELLODORO
Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGT 100% Pecorino. Enchanting floral notes, citrus, honeysuckle perfect touch of sapidity. $16 worth every luscious penny!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine
Super excited to delve into seven sips of Tuscany. But before I do I’d love to learn more about your favorite Tuscan experiences.
Whether it’s wine, destination, an experience, town or memory.
My favorite Tuscan experience was my glorious stay at @castellobanfi_wineresort .
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell
#Wine
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5 Responses
What a cool story. I have heard of many reasons people have gotten into the wine industry, but finding it through the machinery is a first. Love Maayan Koschitzky’s story. Well done!
Thanks for reading and watching Michelle. I loved how down to earth he is and how his story (which is just beginning) is taking him to so many legends. He’s a real artisan. Love his wines!
What a great story! Go figure… the first winery to call back is Screamkng Eagle?! Looking forward to visiting the new Atelier Melka tasting room soon!
Brilliant Mistake wines brought me to learn of Maayan. Continue on your amazing journey!
That is wonderful to hear Mark. Thanks so much for joining me!