During his visit to Budapest, we had the pleasure to interview Bruce Walker, one of the managers of the Californian Starry Night Winery, about their wines and the history of the cellars.

- How did you end up in the wine industry considering the fact that you had spent many years in the field of venture capital?
- While pursuing my college education, I had the opportunity to learn the basics of winemaking. At that time, it seemed easier and more affordable for me to make my own wine at home - for my own consumption only, of course- than purchase retail wine. As my passion for wine and winemaking has never faded, in 1999 my long-time friends Wayne Hansen, Skip Garnger, Mike Miller and I decided to take on establishing our own winery.

- What was the winery's capacity at the start?
- In the early days, annual production was a mere 14, 000 bottles, which has now reached 84,000 bottles under our own label. In addition to wines under the Starry Night label, we produce the line of JT Cellars wines, also available in Hungary, among others.

- You are known to be a devoted Zinfandel lover.
- That's correct. In 2001, we became members of the organization called Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP). Also, I currently serve on ZAP's Board of Directors. As ZAP's mission is to promote the Zinfandel varietal around the world, my position involves a great deal of worldwide travels as well as delivering seminars throughout the USA and other countries. Originally from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in 1829 the Zinfandel variety disembarked the East Coast of the New World and arrived in California in 1852, where it soon gained widespread popularity. This varietal was initially a hit as the White Zinfandel table wine before its evolution into a quality wine offering further dimensions. Currently, the Zinfandel variety ranks third in quantity of the total Californian wine production, with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the lead. As proven by genetic analyses, this varietal traces its roots back to the Dubrovnik area, where it has been cultivated to date under the name Crljenak kaštelanski. Zinfandel has gained ground in Italy as well, known locally as Primitivo.

- Does the winery have its own vineyards or are outsourced growers' crop bought up instead?
- We are contracted with a number of Californian winegrowers who cater for our production needs. This usually results in lasting and close partnerships with our suppliers; with some cooperation from the very beginning: dating back 8 to10 years, while we also continue to add new areas and grape varieties.

- Which varietals are Starry Night's wines made from?
- Being devotees of Zinfandel, 60% of our total production is based on this variety. Furthermore, we buy varietals such as Chardonnay, Syrah, Petit Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Rhone Valley varieties from numerous areas including Lodi, Russian River Valley, Amador, Lake Counties, and Dry Creek Valley. One may question why we don't opt for our own vineyard instead. Considering the high land prices in California, the reason is primarily financial, however, should we maintain our growth at the current rate, we project acquiring our own vineyards within the next 5 years.

- What winemaking methods are used in the production of Starry Night's wines?
- We strive for the most gentle handling of the grapes in their process to the destemmer, which includes the use of gravity. Fermentation takes place in half-ton bins, from which the must is transferred to the pressing machine using gravity once again.

- How long are the grapes left on the skin for?
- Fermentation on the skin takes 10 to 14 days, followed by 10 to 22 months of barrel ageing. In addition to American and French barrels, we use Hungarian oak barrels as well. 25 to 75 percent of our wines are aged in new medium or medium + toasted barrels, as determined by the particular varietal.

- What new products are in store for wine-lovers of Starry Night?
- For the first time, we feature the Sauvignon Blanc varietal this year. Also, our new Port-style Zinfandel will be available on the shelves in about 3 months. Currently, our annual production approximates 6,000 bottles of each wine type, while our Lodi Zinfandel and 100% malolactic-fermented Chardonnay are produced in larger quantities: 30,000 and 12,000 bottles respectively.

- What recognition are you the most proud of?
- Triumphant over 7,000 of its challengers, our Tom Feeney Zinfandel was awarded double gold medals at the 2006 Chronicle Wine Competition in San Francisco, a wine challenge held by the City by the Bay's Chronicle newspaper.

With the recommendation of Bruce Walker, manager of Starry Night Winery.

Starry Night Lodi Zinfandel (2003) Our 2003 Lodi Zinfandel is made using traditional winemaking methods and is representative of the fine Zinfandels that have been grown in this appellation for over 100 years. This wine is well structured with fresh flavors of blackberries and cherries with hints of pepper, spice and eucalyptus. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, our production of this wine was approximately 1200 cases. Our Lodi Zinfandel can be paired with many dishes, and especially good with pasta, steak, lamb and burgers.
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JT Santa Barbara Chardonnay (2003) Charming golden-yellow in color with a nose featuring tones of citrus, pear, apple and vanilla. Oak barrel aging and 100% malolactic fermentation contributed to its rich flavors and aromas. Enjoy this wine of a great aging potential over the next 5 to 6 years. JT Santa Barbara Chardonnay is a perfect choice for salmon, crab, grilled vegetables, and grilled chicken as well as on its own as an aperitif.
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JT Russian River Merlot (2002) Made from premium grapes of JT Cellars' finest plantings, this wine is a true big gun bursting with fruits. Handcrafted by one of California's most brilliant winemakers. Produced in limited quantity. JT Russian River Merlot is perfectly balanced and reflects its unique terroir.
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JT Lodi Syrah (2003) JT Cellars 2003 Californian Syrah is a representative of the New World's Syrah style, revealing unique flavors and aromas. Aged in oak barrel, this deep ruby-red-colored wine featuring fantastic aromas, is a proud member of our full-bodied, big guns category. On the nose, morello and pepper intermingle with a touch of lavender. On the palate, its full body and fine tannins are complemented by tones of black currant, morello, black pepper, spices and vanilla. JT Lodi Syrah can be paired with pork, lamb and chicken grills as well as pastas.
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Wine Show in Eger

At the weekend of August 11 thru 13, Monarchia participated in the traditional festival celebrating the Eger Wine Region, held on Eger's Dobó Square this year. ...

Preparing for the Harvest

This year's inclement and extreme weather has challenged winemakers indeed. A late spring and unfavorable weather at the time of berry set resulted in looser clusters in some areas ...

Revolutionary Trellis System

While Nagy Eged, Eger's "sacred hill", is definitely blessed with excellent properties for winegrowing, its extremely arduous terrain - including inclines of up to 45 degrees as well as hard and rock-strewn soils - puts local winemakers' expertise and enthusiasm to the test ...

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Monarchia Cellars Egri Grüner Veltliner 2004
Originally priced at: HUF 1,496 NOW: HUF 972

Monarchia Cellars Pinot Grigio 2004
Originally priced at: HUF 999 NOW: HUF 649

Nyakas Budai Chardonnay 2003
Originally priced at: HUF 1,040 NOW: HUF 676

Nyakas Budai Cuvée 2004
Originally priced at: HUF 1,090 NOW: HUF 709

Nyakas Budai Irsai Olivér 2003/2004
Originally priced at: HUF 1,040 NOW: HUF 676

Nyakas Budai Müller Thurgau 2003/2004
Originally priced at: HUF 1,040 NOW: HUF 676

Nyakas Budai Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Originally priced at: HUF 1,500 NOW: HUF 975

Sartarelli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Balciana 2001
Originally priced at: HUF 6,394 NOW: HUF 3,200

Sartarelli Verdicchio del Castelli di Jesi Classico 2003
Originally priced at: HUF 2,070 NOW: HUF 1,000

Sartarelli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Tralivio 2002
Originally priced at: HUF 3,194 NOW: HUF 1,500

Terrazzo "V" Verdicchio 2003
Originally priced at: HUF 1,490 NOW: HUF 969

Thummerer Egri Chardonnay 2003
Originally priced at: HUF 1,260 NOW: HUF 819


Offer valid while supplies last. Above items available at our Wineshops in Budapest and Székesfehérvár.

Each month, this section will present a member of the Monarchia team. Our first team member to introduce herself: Orsolya Péntek , our new colleague.

I have joined the Monarchia team in mid-July as the general manager of the wineshop and wine club in Kinizsi Street in Budapest. My passion for wine dates back to my university years, as a result of which I earned a master's degree in horticulture. After graduation, I veered off to new paths and pursued studies in economics but resumed my interest in wine in my pastime. Having completed an evening sommelier course that I have taken much pleasure in, I decided to change directions and earn hands-on winemaking experience overseas. I spent my last year in a family-owned, state-of-the-art, modern winery in Virginia, USA. At that time I had the opportunity to experience virtually each and every field relating to the wine business including winegrowing, winemaking, wine tourism, wine-tours and hosting wine-tasting. I have gained a great deal of knowledge from the family and their viticultural advisor and winemaker studied in France.

I'm looking forward to meeting you at our future wine-tasting events.


Cheers!