An Exothermic Reaction Meets Harpo Marx
The Wiki says "An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction accompanied by the
release of heat. In other words, the energy needed for the reaction to
occur is less than the total energy released. As a result of this, the
extra energy is released, usually in the form of heat."
Q&A
Pea Noir: What was your epiphany about making your latest change
from GB to consulting?
L.T.: There is a big ol' world of winegrowing and winemaking out
there. I spent 20 amazing years
with the Bundschu family, (Gundlach Bundshu) literally growing up professionally and personally
with them. I worked under two generatioins of Bundschu's, starting
as enologist, becoming winemaker within a year, Director of Winemaking
after 10 years and for the last 5 years I also directed the management of the
300 acre estate vineyard. I was inspired to make some truly wonderful
wines and I worked with incredibly talented and wacky people. I had a
ball. Then I could not ignore the small, still voice that starting
singing to me early in 2008, saying it was time to explore and grow
my craft on new ground. So I worked it out with the Bundschu's and
departed at the completion of the '08 harvest.
The awesome circumstance for me is such that
I don't have to jump into "the next thing" right
away. So I've been taking some time to decompress, rejuvinate and
see what new enological inspirations arise within me. It's a
chance to wipe clean my slate of preconceived notions and create what
I want my next winemaking adventure to look like...........could be full-time
consulting or hooking up with another winery or doing my own brand or
a combination of all. In the meantime I continue
to consult on a small project for my own family that started up
in 2005 and that is keeping my hand and spirit in the
craft.
Pea Noir: What
is the new fruit you getting into, and why do you like it?
L.T.: This family project, called Teresina
We are toying with adding a dry Riesling in 2009,
which exites me because I'm drinking a hell of a lot of it lately.
Pea Noir: I work with my father in the family business, and found
out a lot of great things I didn’t know about my dad. Any new revelations about
your family members as you work more closely with them?
L.T.: On the Teresina
Actually...............I don't remember Marcus being so
much taller than I am.
Pea Noir: Winemaking is an art; what “artist” (writer, musician,
actor, visual artist) is your inspiration or kindred spirit?
L.T.:There are many. I'll go with Harpo Marx
here:
1. Impactful while minimalist.
2. Resourceful -- when the Marx Brothers started out
on Vaudeville Harpo had a speaking part in the act; only he could not keep up
with his brothers and became lost in the mix. He decided to not
even try competing anymore and reinvented himself as a mime, which
balanced the act beautifully.
3. Brilliantly creative.
4. Appeals to a wide audience. (I don't know
anybody, of any age, who does not laugh at his work)
Pea Noir: Winemaking is a science; what scientist or concept, or
technique are you?
As I enter the stage of life where I am
becoming known as a "woman of a certain age" it seems that
the Exothermic Reaction best describes by state of being: "A
chemical reaction in which energy is released; when heat is released,
the nearby matter will become warmer."
L.T.: What is your “rebel yell”- the thing you’re most
passionate about?
BALANCE. In everything.
Pea Noir: Can you describe a time you succeeded when the odds were
against you?
L.T.: Fitting into my wedding dress on the big day, four
months after purchasing it.
Pea Noir: What’s your current favorite restaurant and or wine?
I love The Slanted Door at the SF Ferry Building.
Living in American Canyon, we can conveniently jump on the Vallejo ferry which docs literally just outside the restaurant. As much
as I am crazy about the food, I am addicted to their Pisco Sour
cocktail. In addition to the dry Reislings I mentioned, lately I
have have been drinking Lagrein from Alto Adige and discovered some
very nice Monastrell from Spain.
Pea Noir: Bonus question: Most people don’t know that you……
L.T.: Played varsity basketball in high school (in all of my 5'1" glory).
You can contact Linda at:Latrotta14@comcast.net