Fulcrum Wines Owner David Rossi’ first came into the wine store to show his new vintage of wines in 2008. At first the owner was skeptical—how could a guy from Atlantic Highlands make decent Pinot Noir?
Not only was the wine decent, it was downright beautiful. Turns out Mr. Rossi’s background was in food marketing. He began his winemaking career at home more than ten years ago and success in amateur winemaking competitions led him to launch Fulcrum wines.
David’s years of marketing experience are reflected in the presentation of his wines. Each bottle is carefully wrapped in tissue and encased in a paper collar that has a seal depicting an acrobat juggling. David’s wife, Christinna Rossi, assists with the sales and marketing.
Fulcrum’s philosophy is to produce wines that are balanced with respect to acid, tannin, alcohol, fruit, oak, and age-worthiness. Rossi explains, “A fulcrum is a point of balance for a lever and my goal is to leverage the best wine out of the best grapes while maintaining balance.”
That is what Fulcrum is all about and you can find out more about his wines and taste them for yourself if you are (or happen to know someone who is) a Monmouth University Alumni. The University is hosting the annual Alumni Monmouth University Wine Tasting Saturday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m. and David Rossi is not only the featured speaker, he is the wine glass sponsor and each glass proudly bears Fulcrum’s logo.
One of the wines he will be featuring is his 2010 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This Pinot Noir is a dark, reddish-purple and offers deliciously decadent aromas of black plum, blackberry and spice—perhaps a hint of ginger, star anise, clove? The dark juicy cherry flavors are accented by blackberry and thick plum flavors with spicy accents. This full-bodied Pinot is impeccably balanced and sructured with supple tannins and a spiced minerally finish. It is one terrific wine and it will cellar well for up to ten years. The only problem is, there were only 189 cases made, which means it won't last long on the shelves.
For more information on purchasing tickets for the wine tasting, contact Monmouth University. If you can’t wait for the wine tasting, Fulcrum Wines can also be found at Monmouth Bottle Shop located at 201 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst for about $58. Phone 732.531.3080.
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