Matt Weir / The Collegian
In the 100th year of Fresno State’s existence there are many different ways to commemorate such a significant birthday. However, what a better way to celebrate than with a limited release Fresno State Centennial wine?
The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology viticulture and enology program at Fresno State is launching a Centennial wine on May 19 ”” one day before convocation ceremonies.
According to John Giannini, winemaker and lecturer at Fresno State, Centennial Cuvee is a Bordeaux-style blend; a blend of red wines made from the five principle grapes in the Bordeaux region of France, and is a first of this type of blend for the Fresno State Winery.
“The wine itself is a terrific blend of Bordeaux varietals,” Joseph Joralemon, student marketing intern of sales and distribution of Fresno State wines, said. “It’s full-bodied and features dark cherry and blueberry with hints of spice and vanilla.”
Joralemon said that they also designed a new and attractive label for the wine bottle to commemorate the Centennial Celebration.
The Centennial Cuvee is not only a special release because of its unique blend, but also because once it sells its 300 cases it will not be available for purchase again.
“Centennial Cuvee can be enjoyed by staff, alumni and students alike while they look back at the last 100 years and see all that Fresno State has accomplished,” Joralemon said. “It can be consumed now, or stored as a memento of this celebration.”
The Centennial Cuvee will be available to the public on May 19th at 2 p.m. at a release event entitled, “Centennial Wines and Vines.” The event is open to the general public for free.
The event will consist of wine tasting for those who are 21 years of age and older, and will also offer guided tours of the oldest vineyard, Petrucci Vineyard, a winery tour, and tours of all the vineyards at Fresno State.
Mass communication and journalism major Andrew Boydston said he is looking forward to the release of this commemorative wine.
“My parents are big time wine drinkers, and since I go to a school with such a prestigious wine program they couldn’t be happier,” Boydston said. “So they are especially looking forward to the Centennial wine.”
In 1997, Fresno State became the first university in the United States to have a winery fully licensed to bottle, produce and sell wine. The student winemakers at Fresno State have proved year after year that their wines are excellent in quality, and have won many medals for their outstanding product. It is for this reason that Fresno State has chosen to make the Fresno State Winery such a big part of its Centennial Celebration.
Students at the Fresno State Winery are involved in all aspects of the winemaking process. They have a hand in the wine-grape research, winemaking procedures, bottling, marketing and selling of wine.
The Centennial Cuvee is yet another example of the way Fresno State involves students, alumni, teachers and the Fresno community in their 100 years of existence.