Monday, December 28, 2009

 

Trailblazers named Mexico's 'Wine Persons of the Year'

 

'Vino-Tourism' by Steve Dryden

 

It seems like every wine region has a few heroes and pioneers who stand out for their contributions, vision and determination. One such special soul was Eduardo Liceaga Campos, owner of Viña de Liceaga Winery in Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico. He was a shining star in Mexico’s wine industry, and one of the founding fathers in the region’s early quest for creating high quality premium wines.

 

His dedication in promoting, marketing and educating consumers on behalf of the wine industry in Baja California was instrumental in encouraging and supporting development of superior wines and the wine culture in Mexico. So, it is with great pleasure that we chose him in 2007 as Person of the Year in Guadalupe Valley. Since his passing in 2007, after receiving this recognition, we decided to name this annual appreciation in his honor, that we may never forget what a special person he was to us all.

 

Eduardo Liceaga was one of the most knowledgeable wine and food specialists on the West Coast, and a member of the International Wine and Food Society of London. This non-profit organization was formed in 1933 with the aim of raising the standard of selection, preparation and service of good food and wine.  The common goal is for members to “learn more about food and wine and enjoy the pleasures of the table.”

 

In addition, Liceaga was the founder of the Chevaliers du Tastevin in Tijuana. The original Chevaliers du Tastevin was created in 1934, in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in response to the economic crisis of the time. Two Burgundians decided to “invite our friends to drink wine, everyone will come if we know how to make them want to.” Basically, the group strives to represent Burgundy, its products and traditions. Liceaga’s group in Tijuana did the same.

   

Eduardo Liceaga Campos was born and educated in Mexico City. He received his college degree in Civil Engineering and spent most of his career working in Mexico City developing major construction projects for schools, airports, bus stations, hospitals, office buildings, and condominiums for the government and private companies.

 

He was a natural leader who used his energy and wisdom to focus on educating his country about good wine and gourmet food. During that process, in 1982, after completing his own incredible career, Eduardo retired to “personal projects” and moved his family to a beautiful location near San Antonio de las Minas in the Guadalupe Valley of Baja California. He purchased fifty acres which he named Rancho el Paricutin, whereas today the winery is known as Viña de Liceaga.

 

Their wines are exceptional, especially the newest Memorial Selection L.

 

This year, 2009,  brought many changes to the global wine market due to the economic downturn. Up until this time the Mexican wine industry had been experiencing a financial boom,  with high demand exceeding the national production of wine. That ended with the slowing market, and for the first time in many years, several wineries are still holding last year’s production.

 

One wine producer that actually gained significant growth in 2009 is the L.A. Cetto Winery. Due to the vision and keen business tactics developed by Don Luis Cetto and his wine maker, Dr. Camillo Magoni, the winery continues to capture a large segment of both the national and international markets for Mexican wine.  As well, the awards keep rolling in.

 

Their 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2004 Nebbiolo Private Reserves have won double gold medals in San Francisco, plus gold in Germany, Italy, and other US locations. The 2001 Angelo Cetto Reserva Platino won gold in Paris, France; the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon won gold in New York; while the 2000 & 2001 Private Reserve Chardonnays won gold in the US and Italy.

 

Actually the biggest winner of gold medals has been their Petite Sirah, winning national and international awards since 1988. Of course, this is just a partial list of the many awards, certificates and honors that Cetto has gained over the years, thus helping attract global recognition for quality Mexican wines.

 

There is no question that L.A. Cetto creates world class premium wines, as well as a large assortment of affordable white and red table wines that please almost any palate — from newcomer to expert. Their current portfolio of wines, for 2010, offers a diverse selection of over 25 wines.

 

The unique feature of Cetto Winery is that they offer simple table wines, premium vintages and world class wines that the average wine aficionado can afford. It could be argued that their 2004 Nebbiolo Private Reserve, at US$15.00, is the best red wine in Mexico when it comes to quality for the price.

 

Cetto’s great gift to Mexico is that they offer an introduction to regional wine drinkers who are now transitioning from a beer and tequila culture towards wine consumption. Furthermore, with free wine tastings and hourly tours they are leading the revolution in wine education and marketing wine in the country.

 

As far as the international market goes, Cetto has been the leading exporter for years and their wines are well known and appreciated in the US, Europe, Canada, and elsewhere. If anyone has brought positive global attention to the Mexican wine industry, it has been this winery.

 

The dynamic duo of Don Luis Cetto and Dr. Camillo Magoni has empowered this family winery into a key position within the national and international markets. Don Luis is the visionary businessman, while Camillo Magoni is the grand master winemaker of Mexico. Their determination, research, marketing strategies and hard work has put them in the forefront of developing Mexico into a global wine producer of premium wines.

 

Moreover, Don Luis has a keen appreciation for fine arts, music, entertainment and gourmet cuisine, and he has created a number of exceptional and reasonably priced events for his clients and wine consumers to enjoy. And Camillo Magoni has mastered the art of creating premium wine in Mexico, plus he has written a most credible and thorough book on the history of Mexico's wine industry ["Historia de la Vid y el Vino en la Península de Baja California," Universidad Iberoamericana, 2009].

 

So, considering their contributions of creating world class wine; educating the public about the wonders of the wine world and Mexican wines; for pricing a large assortment of wines that are affordable; for preserving the history of our wine culture; and for providing phenomenal entertainment, Don Luis Cetto and Dr. Camillo Magoni have easily earned this year's Eduardo Liceaga Campos Memorial Award as “Wine Persons of the Year."

 

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For a Baja California Wine Route map, click on MexiData.info "Links," and go to "Mexico Maps and Time Zones"

 

Steve Dryden is a wine, food and travel writer living in Valle de Guadalupe, in northwestern Baja California, where he guides individual and small group wine tours. He can be reached at sbdryden@hotmail.com. Visit his blog at www.winefoodguide.com.