Snoqualmie Winery Adds Merlot and Rose to Its “Naked” Line

Prosser, Wash.

Snoqualmie introduces the 2006 Naked Merlot and 2007 Naked Rose as the latest additions to its portfolio. All Naked wines are made with 100% USDA certified organically grown grapes in the Snoqualmie’s certified organic winery located in Prosser, Washington.

The wines are produced in limited quantities (5,000 cases of Naked Merlot, 500 cases of Naked Rose) and both are available at the winery for the suggested retail price of $11. Consumers may also find the 2006 Naked Merlot at retail outlets around the Pacific Northwest.

The 2006 Naked Merlot has pure varietal fruit expression in the nose, with ample structure and lingering natural fruit flavors on the palate - like eating fresh Merlot berries off the vine. The 2007 Naked Rose contains hints of fresh spring berry aromas that follow through on the palate with bright juicy flavors of natural fruit sweetness and acidity.

Veteran winemaker Joy Andersen is known for her simple yet elegant winemaking style, showcasing true varietal fruit flavors in her finished wine.

"My philosophy in making Snoqualmie wines has always been to simply enhance what nature provides, adding just the bare essentials of winemaking,” says Andersen. “In producing wines with organically grown grapes, I'm just raising the bar and taking it one step further down that path. By implementing organic and sustainable growing practices, we are challenging ourselves in the vineyards as well as in the cellar, and I'm delighted with the results."

As part of Snoqualmie’s commitment to maintaining the natural quality of Washington, Andersen and her winemaking team take an active interest in the local community and environment and are continually improving their sustainable and organic farming practices to ensure the quality of the land for future generations.

The winery published its first sustainability and organics report in 2007, which outlines the steps they’re taking, both in the winery and in the vineyards, to become a more sustainable company. The report can be found on Snoqualmie’s web site at www.snoqualmie.com/sustainability.cfm.

About Snoqualmie Under the leadership of winemaker Joy Andersen, Snoqualmie has been producing award-winning wines for more than two decades. Founded in 1984, Snoqualmie offers consumers a variety of classic wine varietals as well as the “Naked” wines, crafted from certified originally grown grapes using organic practices. These wines fit perfectly with Anderson’s philosophy of capturing the natural essence of the vineyard and the pure elegance of the varietal in the bottle.

For further information on Snoqualmie wines, please visit the Website at snoqualmie.com, or call 800.852.0885.

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For further information:
Leslie Sugiura
425-415-3719
leslie.sugiura@ste-michelle.com