Enobytes Wine Blog

Jan 28

An Interview with Eric Guerra

Interviews, News No Comments » .by Pamela Heiligenthal

If you have not seen or heard of Eric Guerra wines, you soon will. Inspired by passion, his new line offers prestige small-lot artisan wines that represent the diversity of what Sonoma County wines have to offer. In his lineup, he offers wines that balance between elegance and intensity.

Offering three varietals, his 2005 Alexander Valley Ispiri, or "it inspires" in Italian, has made it’s inaugural debut this month. Consisting of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet, its inspired by old world traditions instilling right-bank Bordeaux style characteristics. Most of the fruit for Ispiri comes from SkyPine Vineyards nestled atop Pine Mountain.

Winemaker, Leslie Sisneros & Founder, Eric Guerra

Guerra’s 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, also released this month, is rich and complex with fruit picked from Demattei Vineyards on Pine Mountain. The estate is located on the southwestern slop of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. The Pinot Noir eludes delicate yet complex characteristics, which displays how this varietal can thrive in a microclimate produced at JMT Vineyards in Russian River. The Pinot Noir is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2008.

Entering into the professional wine business as the Brand Manager at Kendall-Jackson, it was there where Eric gained a phenomenal amount of experience in the wine industry. It was also there where he experienced a moment of inspiration; a revelation that would change his life forever. His journey leads him to an ever-challenging venture of opening his own winery and creating wines that inspire.

In this interview, Guerra answered questions about his journey leading up to building his own brand as he shares his passion for his new endeavor. Read the rest of this entry »