Falling Rain Wines

Unedited

"It has become quite a common proverb that in wine there is truth (In vino veritas)."
~ Pliny the Elder, 79AD

The truth is Judith Papesh and Alex Manoni must get along. Judith (owner/winemaker of Falling Rain Wines) and Alex (owner/winemaker of Stomani Cellars) have been making wine under the same roof for years – sharing equipment, advice and rent. Prior to locating to their Dexter Avenue North location, they were part of a winemaker cooperative near Safeco Field in SODO. However, the major overhaul of Hwy 99 (aka The Viaduct) put an end to that venture forcing them to relocate.

Now firmly ensconced in their Lower Queen Anne/South Lake Union location, they continue their small lot pursuit with Alex brewing wines of the Italian persuasion and Judith focusing on rich Bordeaux blends. You don’t need to lay Stomani Cellars wines down – they are ready to serve with anything pasta. Take for example, Stomani Cellar’s Aglianico, a red grape variety from Italy that you rarely find outside of central Italy (which makes me realize rather randomly that is where Pliny the Elder died in Pompeii’s Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79AD). Also check out Alex’s Super Tuscan style blend of sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon named Insieme – an Italian word meaning “together.” Again, no need to lay this beauty down; uncork it with tonight’s grilled London broil on a bed of lettuce.

Artisan winemaker Judith Papesh wines lean toward the meatier side. Chewy. Layered and loads of complexity. Her 2007 Bordeaux-blend Mischief garnered a 92+ rating from Jay Miller of the Wine Advocate. In part, here’s what Miller wrote about the 2007 Mischief, “It exhibits a splendid bouquet of sandalwood, incense, herbs, lavender, cassis, and blackberry. Already complex on the palate, this is a mouth-coating, layered, spicy, and impeccably balanced blend that will reward 4-5 years of cellaring and which will effortlessly see its 20th birthday.” Nevertheless, knowing a cassoulet recipe I’m anxious to try, I paid the $25 for a bottle knowing there’s no way that I will let this sit in my measly cellar for 20 years.

Two different wine styles under one roof. Different strokes for different folks. The fact is if both Alex and Judith vinified the same wines under the same roof, their joint venture would likely fail. This way, they can pursue their uncommon visions and split the light bill. Works for them and works for consumers. That’s the unvarnished truth. In vino veritas.