The wine’s name, 1348, refers to the year that the Raffaldini family traces it roots and is an authentic representation of wines made by the Raffaldini family in their home, Mantua, in the North-Central part of Italy. It is a rustic blend of Malvasia Nera, Sangiovese and Syrah, offering firm tannins and dark fruit with hints of spice. The wine is available at the tasting room, Villa Raffaldini, for $14.

“We are excited to offer customers a taste of wines from the Italian countryside,” winemaker Stephen Rigby, said. “The best Italian wines are simple, balanced and easy to drink with food, which is what we sought to achieve with this wine; something that expresses the terroir (tipicita) of Italy, the kind of wine that Italians drink everyday.” 

The Swan Creek AVA encompasses 160-180 sq. miles in Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell counties. Its proximity to the Brushy Mountains gives Swan Creek a distinct, loamy soil consisting of schist, mica and other minerals as well as a microclimate that make Swan Creek wines unique. There are currently five vineyards located within the Swan Creek AVA: Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, N.C. and Laurel Gray Vineyards, Buck Shoals Vineyards, Shadow Springs Vineyard and Dobbins Creek Vineyards in Hamptonville, N.C. Several varietals of vinifera grapes are grown within the Swan Creek AVA, including many traditional and unique French and Italian varietals not widely available in the U.S.

Nestled in the Yadkin Valley Region of North Carolina, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Old World charm to the Old North State. Known as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces five single varietal wines and four blends:  Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva and Montepulciano. Raffaldini hosts public and private events throughout the year. Please visit our web site, www.raffaldini.com, call 336.835.9463 or email info@raffaldini.com for more information.

Ronda, NC—June 23, 2008—Raffaldini Vineyards’ medaled twice at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, held June 13-15 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, CA.

The 2007 Vermentino, a citrusy white wine reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc, received a silver medal. Raffaldini Vineyards is currently the only vineyard in the Eastern US growing Vermentino.

The 2006 Montepulciano, a deep, ruby red wine with a silky mouthfeel and warm texture, received a bronze in the competition. The 2006 vintage of Montepulciano is only the second vintage of this varietal produced by Raffaldini.

According to the San Francisco International Competition’s web site (www.sfwinecomp.com), [t]he San Francisco International Wine Competition is the “largest, most influential international wine competition in America.” The 2007 competition saw wines from more than 1,071 wineries in 21 countries.

The Swan Creek AVA is the second AVA in North Carolina, preceded by the Yadkin Valley AVA. Wines made from grapes grown within the geographical boundaries of the Swan Creek AVA may now carry that designation on their labels as well as the Yadkin Valley AVA.

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx, supporter of the Swan Creek AVA and representative of the district, said, “The approval of the Swan Creek wine region is tremendous news for North Carolina wine makers and the larger agricultural community.  I am confident that this new viticulture area will provide an economic boost to both local vineyards and the people of Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell Counties.  I look forward to helping North Carolina growers like Raffaldini Vineyards and the associated vineyards of Swan Creek to continue to thrive and create sustainable economic growth in their communities.” 

Chief sponsor of the petition for the AVA, Raffaldini Vineyards, notes that the designation “aides our collective efforts to educate consumers about the quality of Swan Creek wines and what makes them unique from the rest of North Carolina and the Yadkin Valley.”

The Swan Creek AVA encompasses 160-180 sq. miles in Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell counties. Its proximity to the Brushy Mountains gives Swan Creek a distinct, loamy soil consisting of schist, mica and other minerals as well as a microclimate that make Swan Creek wines unique. There are currently five vineyards located within the Swan Creek AVA: Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, N.C. and Laurel Gray Vineyards, Buck Shoals Vineyards, Shadow Springs Vineyard and Dobbins Creek Vineyards in Hamptonville, N.C. Several varietals of vinifera grapes are grown within the Swan Creek AVA, including many traditional and unique French and Italian varietals not widely available in the U.S.

Ronda, NC, April 28, 2008—Raffaldini Vineyards’ 2006 Montepulciano received a bronze medal at the San Diego International Competition which took place this month.

The 2006 Montepulciano from Raffaldini Vineyards competed against wines of all varietals, vintages and styles from all over the world at the San Diego Competition and was one of only two wines from North Carolina to medal in the competition.

The San Diego International Wine Competition is in its 25th year and is one of the oldest and most respected wine competitions in the United States. According to the SDIWC web site, it is also the largest wine competition in the U.S. conducted for the benefit of charity.