From Miami to California
We are always on the lookout for new and exciting winemakers who express their unique perspective displayed through excellent winemaking chops. When we find a winemaker that fits this mold we will take a chance on them especially when the wines are as good as those made by Cary Quintana.
Cary’s path to winemaking was a bit circuitous. A native of Miami of Cuban descent, Cary worked for years as an advertising executive before leaving the biz to open up her own boutique wine shop. But California clarion calls kept ringing in her ears and she decided to uproot everything and move to the Golden State. She landed in Berkeley and found kindred spirits amongst the wineries off of Gilman Street where the likes of Donkey & Goat, Broc Cellars and Hammerling had set up years before. Working with these trailblazers inspired Cary to go out on her own and thus Cary Q Wines was born.
One of the many lessons she learned in South Berkeley was that in order to make truly great wines she needed to work with great fruit. Unlike most startups, Cary’s first wines were made from pristine fruit grown by some of California's best growers. Her dedication and talent were readily apparent to those who worked with her and thus through her connection in Berkeley, she sources fruit from Martin Bokisch, Phil Cotturi, and Ann Kraemer, all legendary vine whisperers.
Along with this top-flight fruit, Cary’s knowledge and talent are apparent in every bottle. She is definitely in the low-intervention camp when it comes to winemaking, but that in no way means low participation. She guides all of her wines through their gestation spending an inordinate amount of time in the cellar making sure everything is going in the right direction. What comes out the other side are wines that are deep and complex, yet energetic and lifted. Whether it's her pleasure bomb of a Picpoul or her masterful Mourvedre, all of her wines are a tribute to the gorgeous fruit she works with.
Cary Q Wines Lodi Picpoul Blanc Vibes 2022 - $29.99
This Cali version of Southern France’s famous beach wine offers more texture and complexity than its Gallic siblings. Bright pineapple pulp and creamy citrus are washed over by bright saline-tinged acidity. A perfect way to start any meal, this is also lovely on its own and a great choice for any late summer or early autumn al fresco gatherings. - Las Cerezas Vineyard, Mokelumne River AVA, Lodi
This Cali version of Southern France’s famous beach wine offers more texture and complexity than its Gallic siblings. Bright pineapple pulp and creamy citrus are washed over by bright saline-tinged acidity. A perfect way to start any meal, this is also lovely on its own and a great choice for any late summer or early autumn al fresco gatherings. - Las Cerezas Vineyard, Mokelumne River AVA, Lodi
Cary Q Wines California Cinsault 2023 - $34.99
It is really frustrating that more Cinsault is not made into single variety wines. Cary’s version exemplifies everything that makes this grape so charming. The nose hits you with fresh cut violets, tart red cherries and wild blackberries along with a bit of dusty earth and leather. It is light and fresh like the best Cinsault with a streak of acidity that is tamed by a silky frame. This is almost too easy to love. -Fenaughty Vineyard, El Dorado County
It is really frustrating that more Cinsault is not made into single variety wines. Cary’s version exemplifies everything that makes this grape so charming. The nose hits you with fresh cut violets, tart red cherries and wild blackberries along with a bit of dusty earth and leather. It is light and fresh like the best Cinsault with a streak of acidity that is tamed by a silky frame. This is almost too easy to love. -Fenaughty Vineyard, El Dorado County
Mourvedre is amongst the most beloved varieties amongst California winemakers. This bottle makes it easy to see why. While this has all of the varieties brooding darkness this shows it off through fillagreed elegance. Blackberries and pink peppercorns burst out of the glass with just the right amount of savory notes. We love that it is leaner than many of the examples we come across but without sacrificing any layers of complexity. There is a plushness to its texture that works beautifully with the wine's granitic minerality. A masterful example of one of California's heritage varieties. - Shake Ridge Ranch, Amador County
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