Accolades – Matchbook Wines

Category: Accolades

 

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November 29th, 2022

Matchbook is Certified Green

by: Lane Giguiere

Maybe you’ve noticed the sheep. Or you’ve seen the carpet of green grass, peas and flowers blanketing the vineyard floor.

Both are evidence of Matchbook’s conversion from conventional farming to regenerative and organic. Three years into this project, our sustainable efforts have been recognized by Project Harvest’s California Rules Sustainable Winegrowing certification on the 400 acres of estate vineyards.

The California Rules Certified Green seal signifies a third-party audited commitment to farming that is environmentally and socially responsible while also being economically viable. This credential is just the first step in our mission to become certified organic and regenerative.

While the winery’s initial goal of improving vine health through regenerative farming was to increase the quality of our Estate Bottled wines, “The environmental benefits are now as big a focus,” says John Giguiere, owner of Matchbook Wine Company. The prolonged drought and rising costs make the move to regenerative agriculture more important. Cover crops, grazing sheep and compost teas have eliminated the need for synthetic fertilizers, created a carbon sink and increased the water-holding capacity of the soil.

“It’s been invigorating to take on this large and very important project at this stage of our careers,” Giguiere continues. “Reversing 40 years of farming philosophy is not easy, but we see the need to reduce our farming inputs and water usage while increasing quality and profitability. Sustainable and regenerative agriculture is a win for both the farmer and the environment.”

The California Rules Certified Green Sustainable Winegrowing seal will be added to Matchbook’s estate grown wines beginning with the 2022 vintage.


January 18th, 2022

2022 is Off to a Fab Start!

by: Aileen Niizawa Morris


The new year is shining with GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE on ALL 13 wines we submitted to the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The following received awards for:

GOLD ~
• 2108 The Arsonist Red Blend
• 2017 Tinto Rey Super Tinto Red Blend

SILVER ~
• 2020 Pillars of Hercules Red Blend
• 2020 The Arsonist Chardonnay
• 2020 Matchbook Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2020 Matchbook Chardonnay
• 2019 Matchbook Malbec
• 2018 Matchbook Petit Verdot
• 2020 Matchbook Petite Sirah
• 2021 Tinto Rey Rosé
• 2019 Tinto Rey Tempranillo
• 2019 Black’s Station Cabernet Sauvignon

BRONZE ~
• 2020 Tinto Rey Verdejo

Come visit our tasting room to taste these award-winning wines!

Wines are available for purchase in our tasting room and on our online wine store.


August 17th, 2021

The BIG Red Blend earns 90 Points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

by: Aileen Niizawa Morris

2019 Pillars of Hercules Red Blend, Giguiere Estate 
90 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October 2021
“This is a serious, deep blend that celebrates ripeness and concentration without much tannin. It’s velvety on the palate, showing flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry and a hint of cocoa that give it plenty to savor.” –Jim Gordon

Purchase a Bottle!

Watch the Pillars of Hercules video.