Originally from South Africa, Dan Sanvido set out to be an enologist and landed in California where he worked for a large conglomerate making wines. It was there he met a young chemist, Mckenzie.
Together they have produces millions of cases of wine through almost two decades’ vintages. And most of us have consumed their wine without knowing they made it.
Eventually, they broke the corporate chains and set out to find a home and make a winery of their own. That is Untamed Wine Estates.
It is here Dane and Mckenzie make delectable wines from grapes grown mostly in California, some from South Africa and some grown right here is Texas.
Mckenzie also makes amazing pizza. The winery has a proper pizza oven. She placed 3rd in the 2024 International Pizza Challenge in the category of “non-traditional pizza.”
Untamed is worth the drive to Stonewall. It offers an atmosphere of sophistication surrounded by the wilds of a Texas Estate. The pizza is scrumptious, and the wines, wildly delicious.
2021 Sparkling Rosé
Monterey, California
Perfectly blended 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay awakens the palate with lively bursts of strawberry and fresh apples. The nose picks up complex aromas of yeast, like fresh-baked bread. The finish is long and tingly. A suitable aperitif for any occasion. Pair with caviar blini.
2022 Pinot Noir Rosé
Monterey, California
Proper care with harvesting and production are on display in this glass. A light-hued pink greets the eye while rose petals and cherry and passion fruit notes greet the nose as images of cotton candy swirls come to mind. A dusty minerality finishes this mouth-filling rosé. A goat cheese salad or chilled cracked crab would accompany this wine well.
2021 Sangiovese Rosé
Monterey, California
A bouquet of spicy cherry compote, raspberries, and violets with wisps of orange pekoe tea make this King Salmon colored rosé quite complex. It offers a medium body and balanced acidity on the tongue. Serve with a Greek salad and grilled vegetables.
2022 Cabernet Franc Rosé
Monterey, California
This rosé may be bashful pink in color but the flavors are not. There is a solid acidity to liven tastebuds. Aromas of orange blossom, ripe strawberries with hints of cassis, mouthwatering wine. The acidity works well with leafy green salads and soft cheese like Brie.
2024 Chenin Blanc
Monterey, California
A delicate wine emitting fragrance of Meyer Lemon, honeydew melon and white nectarine. The soft acidity makes this most approachable. An excellent choice to enjoy if flounder or halibut is on the menu.
2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Monterey, California
A charming perfume of quince, pink grapefruit and honeysuckle rises from the glass. The palate detects white stone minerality. The finish offers swirling acidity. The finish is feminine and soft, a refreshingly easy sauvignon blanc. A splendid match for roast chicken with buttered peas.
2021 Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley
This elegant wine offers earthy white mushrooms, red cherries, red currants, and dusty cocoa notes in a shiny ruby color. Hints of oak display pleasingly. Supple tannins grace the finish. It would make a lovely companion to mushroom risotto or roast duck.
2022 Petit Verdot
Dry Creek Valley
The dark, purple-hued wine is opulent, displaying a bouquet of mission figs, blueberries, anise and dark chocolate shavings with a backbone of sweet cigar box. Well-designed satin tannins complete this indulgence. Serve this one with barbecue beef short ribs and hard cheeses like Manchego.
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
Coombsville, California
Hailing from the most recent AVA (2011) in California, this powerful wine is exactly what Coombsville Cabernet should be. Rich leather and smoke swirl with black plum and Sweet Carolina Blackberries. The fruit forward style is wrapped up in tobacco leaf for lovely depth and sophistication. Perfectly balanced acidity and soft tannins create a lush finish. Of course, pair with a great steak, Akaushi ribeye comes to mind.
2021 Malbec
Paicines, California
Paicines is a sub-appellation of California’s Central Coast region that produces primarily red varieties. This Malbec presents appealing floral notes of violets coupled with black plum, figs, dark cherries, tobacco leaf and hints of graphite. It is a dense wine, an almost purple ruby color and a long finish. Pair with a flatiron steak or game — venison, bison, or nilgai.