Temecula isn’t just Cab and Almond Champagne—discover how Italian reds like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Aglianico are thriving at Bottaia Winery and other local producers. Bold, unexpected, and so pour-worthy! ----------------- Think Temecula is all about Cab and Almond Champagne? Not so fast—Italian reds are staking their claim, and they’re every bit as bold and complex as their Old World counterparts. In this episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole visit Bottaia Winery, one of Temecula’s premier producers of Italian varietals, to explore how classic grapes from Tuscany and the south of Italy are thriving here in Southern California. Italy has hundreds of native red grapes, and Temecula’s warm, Mediterranean climate makes it a natural home for varieties like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Aglianico, and Sagrantino. From the elegance of Sangiovese to the dark power of Aglianico and the tannic grip of Sagrantino, these wines highlight Bottaia’s commitment to honoring Italian heritage while giving it a distinctly Temecula accent. Along the way, we’ll dig into each grape’s origins, why they work so well in this climate, and what these wines say about Temecula’s future beyond the familiar. Expect candid takes, stories about farming and winemaking in the heat, and of course, tasting impressions of some standout bottles. By the end, you just might rethink what Temecula should be known for when it comes to red wine. What we tasted in this episode: 2020 Bottaia Montepulciano (https://www.bottaiawinery.com/product/2022-montepulciano) 2018 Bottaia Aglianico (https://www.bottaiawinery.com/product/2018-aglianico) 2019 Bottaia Sagrantino (https://www.bottaiawinery.com/product/2019-sagrantino) Have a favorite Italian white wine from Temecula? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!