Hahn Family Winery of Monterey, California
With an inspiration to raise Monterey wines to the highest level, the wines ofHahn Winery are created with a philosophy that all great wines are special – akin to the region they were grown in. The Hahn wines celebrate everything that is Monterey – unique in thought, style and setting. Wines of Monterey Distinction.
Along California’s central coast lies the renowned Monterey County appellation and within that, the Santa Lucia Highlands, home to the Hahn Family’s vineyard estate. Nicolaus (“Nicky”) Hahn and his wife Gaby discovered a love for California wines in the mid-1970’s. A two-year search led them to the breathtaking beauty and ideal growing conditions of Monterey County where they subsequently purchased two ranches on which to plant vineyards and start a winery. Their first wines, released under the Smith & Hook label, received numerous awards and critical acclaim.
In 1991 Nicky decided to follow up his success with Smith & Hook and create a new wine brand aptly named Hahn Estates. The Hahn brand was created to showcase supple, accessible, and attractively priced wines from the family’s Monterey County vineyards. The Hahn wines are produced from five vineyards located in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County appellations. This region boasts the most varied climatic conditions of any region in California.
In German, “Hahn” means “Rooster” and for this reason a rooster embellishes the Hahn Winery label, honoring the Hahn family’s European heritage. And while Smith & Hook remains the first wine produced by the Hahn family, Hahn Winery is the primary wine brand produced by the Hahns.
Hahn Practices Sustainability. The Hahn Vineyards achieved this Certification through its dedication and farming practices in the following areas:
BIODIVERSITY
VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
SOIL CONSERVATION
PEST MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY & WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION
ORGANIC APPROVED & REDUCED-RISK SYNTHETIC PESTICIDES
SOCIAL EQUITY
CONTINUING EDUCATION
FRUIT QUALITY
ECONOMIC VIABILITY
Hahn Winery Pinot Gris 2012– Monterey, California. Aged for 8 months in 35% new French oak, balance neutral. “This topaz tinged Pinot Gris is a smooth and silky white wine that retains core aromas of tropical fruit supported by a slight tartness and a medium body. Initial aromas of honeydew melon and lychee give way upon first taste to tart flavors of meyer lemon zest and white strawberry. A slight hint of sweetness balances this otherwise very dry wine, making it a suitable aperitif alongside a shrimp cocktail or at the dinner table complementing a broccoli and bok choy stir fry.” $11.99
Hahn Winery Chardonnay 2011– Monterey, California. Cooperage: 15% new French oak, 85% neutral oak. “This wine’s aroma shows green apple, ripe pear, and caramel. Medium bodied on the palate with flavors of lemon sorbet, white peach and pineapple coming to fore with a hint of vanilla on the finish. Sourced from Hahn’s vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco appellations of Monterey County. Once crushed and pressed, fermentation occurred in primarily neutral French oak barrels which lent a subtle vanilla character to the wine without overwhelming the delicious Chardonnay fruit character produced in the vineyard. During primary fermentation the barrels were stirred by hand every three weeks to add greater texture and ensure that fermentation progress uninterrupted. A partial malo-lactic fermentation allowed this wine to preserve its natural acidity, which balances the ripe fruit flavors and cleanses the palate.” $11.99
Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2011– California. Cooperage: 33% new French oak, 66% neutral oak. “The Hahn Winery 2011 Pinot Noir comes out of the gate with aromas of fresh mixed berries and dark cherries leading to hints of lavender, violets and a touch of cassis. This is an exceptionally balanced wine with good acidity whose flavors are given structure by a light touch of caramelized oak. This versatile wine stands alone well but would be a perfect partner to a variety of fish, poultry or pasta dishes. Try it with risotto with shellfish, wild mushrooms and pancetta, roast five-spice duck with mango chutney or a traditional pairing of grilled salmon with Pinot Noir pan sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.” $12.99
Hahn Winery GSM Red Blend 2012– Central Coast, California. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.”With more Syrah than the previous vintage, this wine’s deeper indigo color hints at its ripe blackberry aromas and core flavor of dark fruits accentuated by spicy undercurrents. A sip reveals a balance of strong acidity and drying tannins supported by undertones of pepper and blueberries. The dry finish leaves the slightest hint of vanilla on the palate. This Southern Rhone-inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre showcases the best of these varietals from California’s Central Coast. Grenache brings berry and spice notes to the mix while Syrah provides color and tannins and Mourvedre adds acidity and structure. The harmonious balance of fruit, tannin and acidity makes the Hahn GSM the friendliest and most versatile of food wines. The vibrant flavors would be well-matched with rosemary-rubbed grilled pork tenderloin or GSM-marinated tri-tip steak with leek bread pudding.” $12.99
Hahn Winery Meritage 2011– Central Coast, California. A blend of 40% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petite Verdot. “The Hahn Winery Meritage was created in the traditional style of Bordeaux, blending varietals to highlight the best aspects of each component and creating a finished wine with more flavor than the sum of its parts. Expressive fragrances of dark plums supported by hints of cassis and vanilla give this wine a complex and enticing aroma. A taste reveals a supple mouth feel framed by flavors reminiscent of blueberries and espresso. Plush tannins on the mid palate give way to a dry finish, making this wine a perfect complement for foods ranging from tagliatelle smothered in pork ragout to lavender and paprika fried chicken.” $16.99
Hahn Winery Boneshaker Zinfandel 2011– Lodi, California. A blend of 85% Zinfandel, 7% Cabernet, 6% Merlot and 2% Petite Sirah. Aged in 70% new French Oak, 30% neutral oak. “Grown from Lodi’s old Zinfandel vines, the third vintage of Boneshaker is bigger and bolder than ever. A mix of brick red and purple in the glass, this wine’s aroma draws you in with scents of dark plums and black licorice with slight hints of vanilla incense. A taste of this wine reveals intense flavors of blackberry underlined by cherry cola, framed by chewy tannins and a luscious mouthfeel. This full bodied wine is a palate pleasing potable from start to finish. For the hungry drinker, this big Zin is a great accompaniment to braised beef short ribs with mashed potatoes or grilled pork belly with caramelized onions.” $16.99