With the conviction that the Livermore Valley’s unique terroir is ideal for growing Rhône varieties, family-owned Nottingham Cellars launched Vasco Urbano Wine Company in November 2014 to showcase a distinctive portfolio of Rhône-inspired wines.
The brand is the brainchild of Collin Cranor, son of owners Diane and Jeff Cranor, whose fine reputation as a winemaker continues to soar since he was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as “one of Livermore’s most promising young winemakers.” He came up with the idea after a visit to the Livermore Heritage Guild’s Carnegie Museum where he discovered a fascinating book entitled Vasco’s Livermore 1910: Portraits from the Hub Saloon. The book is a compelling collection of amusing caricature-styled portraits of 43 Livermore Valley residents rendered by itinerant artist Vasco Urban Loureiro. Collin was inspired not only by the intriguing drawings that would make wonderful wine labels but also by the historical significance they have for Livermore Valley.
“Working with Rhônes has been amazing so far,” Collin says. “The Livermore Valley is the ideal place to grow these varieties. When the right clones are planted in the right places to take advantage of soil distinctions we end up with several different profiles and are able to craft wines that are rich in flavor and expressive of this world-class region.”
Named Best Grenache and awarded Double Gold and 95 points at the 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition, the 2013 Norm Grenache, Marina Ranch proves Collin right. This spring, in the spirit of Vasco Urbano Loureiro’s worldly travels, the winery is introducing the Vasco Urbano Wine Company Passport Series: Rhône wines from select vineyards on California’s Central Coast, including a Grenache Blanc from San Benito County and a Marsanne Roussanne Blend from Contra Coast County. “Livermore Valley is still the focus,” Collin says, “but it will be fun to explore these regions and gain new perspective to give me a better understanding of Rhône winemaking in general.”