Press Release, Casa Rondeña Winery

 

LOS RANCHOS DE ALBUQUERQUE – Two vintages from Casa Rondeña Winery were judged third best in the top ten out of some 500 wines from 78 wineries, at the Albuquerque Fine Wine and Art Festival, held April 6, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Casa Rondeña’s 2008 Meritage and 2009 1629 Founder’s Reserve tied for third in the test against 500 wines from all the most important winegrowing regions of the world.

 

The wines were not rated by professional wine experts, but by some 1,000 wine lovers who demonstrated their passion by paying about $100 a couple to attend the event.

 

“I was delighted that our wines were rated so highly by this discriminating group,” said John Calvin, founder and owner of Casa Rondeña. “This festival matched New Mexico wine against some of the best from the major winemaking regions all over the world. It signals that New Mexico wine has arrived in the global marketplace for the best vintages anywhere. “

 

As a further indication of the winery’s growing global reputation, Calvin disclosed that the Grand Palace Hotel Group of Japan has signed a multi-year contract to purchase Casa Rondena wine to feature in its dining rooms. “We have assembled a fine sales and distribution team in Tokyo,” Calvin said.

 

“I have worked since I established the winery in 1995 to develop wines that could compare to the best in the world,” Calvin said. “This recognition, on top of the hundreds of medals we have been awarded at competitions across the country in recent years, make clear we are succeeding.”

 

Calvin noted that winemaking is an industry with deep historical roots in New Mexico – but one that only in recent years has come back as a significant force in the state’s economy. Contracts such as the one with the Japanese have the potential to expand it into a global player.

 

Casa Rondeña’s 1629 Founder’s Reserved is named in recognition of the year the first wine grape vines were brought to what is now New Mexico. Through the 1800s, wine exports were second only to wool and mutton in the future state’s economy.

 

Casa Rondeña, located at 733 Chavez Rd. NW in Los Ranchos, is not a large winery by national standards.

 

“We produce about 6,500 to 7,000 cases a year,” Calvin said. “We make three whites and about five reds – both pure varietals and blends – from the ten types of grapes in our vineyards.”

Calvin said he had long yearned to enter winemaking. He studied flamenco guitar as a young man in Spain and worked as a musician. He later launched a successful business career as a designer-builder. In 1990, the New Mexico native planted his first vineyard.

 

The winery itself followed in 1995, and Calvin’s rich career and experience paths show in the grounds of Casa Rondeña. The visitor could easily imagine they had been transported to wine country in Europe by the graceful clay tile-roofed buildings, arched breezeways and elegant gardens of Casa Rondeña’s complex.

 

“In 1880, New Mexico produced about 16,000 gallons of wine – about what Casa Rondeña produces today,” Calvin said. “By 1885 it had jumped to 980,000 gallons, then it stopped entirely during prohibition.

 

“Today, New Mexico produces about 700,000 gallons of wine a year – and I am proud that we have contributed significantly to that economic success story,” Calvin added. “I take great pleasure in receiving the approval of those who appreciate fine wine, because for me making great wine is the greatest satisfaction I can achieve.”

 

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For further information, interview or photo opportunities, please contact Lindsay Neese, Membership & Marketing Director for Casa Rondeña Winery, at 505.344.5911