Mount Pleasant Winery
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| Mount Pleasant Winery | |
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| Location | Augusta, Missouri, USA |
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| Appellation | Augusta |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Key people | George Muench (founder), Frederick Muench (founder), Mark Baehmann (winemaker), Phillip Dressel (owner), Charles Dressel (owner) |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Vignoles |
| Website | http://www.mountpleasant.com/ |
| Distribution | Regional, some national |
| Tasting | open to public |
Mount Pleasant Winery is a winery in Augusta, Missouri, USA
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[edit] History
Mount Pleasant Winery was founded in 1859 by the brothers Georg and Friedrich Muench. The Muench brothers chose this area because it reminded them of their former home in Germany. The winery closed because of Prohibition. It was reopened for production in 1966, the second winery in the state to open in the current era. It has the third-largest wine production in the state. All wines are produced and bottled at the estate. In 1980, the Augusta AVA was the first American Viticultural Area designated by the United States government.
In 1991, the winery was fined a record $185,000 by the State of Missouri, the maximum possible fine, for illegally importing an excessive amount of California grape juice for inclusion in its wines.[1][2] The following year, the winery's owners, Lucian and Eva Dressel defaulted in the midst of divorce proceedings on loans in the original amount of $619,000 taken out in 1990 and 1991, as well as on the $185,000 fine, and the winery was sold at auction. The winery stayed in the Dressel family, as the winning bid of $660,000 was made by Lucian Dressel's brother, Phillip, who promptly announced that Lucian would continue to manage the winery. [3][4][5][6]
The winery is situated on a south-facing bluff overlooking the Missouri River Valley. It has 85 acres (340,000 m2) of vines in cultivation, growing 16 varieties of grapes. The winery has constructed a public winegarden and terraces that use the view to good advantage.
[edit] Products and Awards
The winery produces a variety of red and white table wines, with sweet, semi-dry and dry styles. It also produces fortified wine (using the "port wine" designation) and sparkling wine.[7] Grape varietes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, St. Vincent, Vidal Blanc, Rayon d'Or, Merlot, Vignoles, Pinot Noir and Norton. Their wines have won numerous international awards. Its highest rating in Wine Enthusiast magazine was 92 points for its 1994 Belle Yvonne Bordeaux Blend.
[edit] Mount Pleasant Winery of Branson
Mount Pleasant Winery opened a second winery in the city of Branson, Missouri on April 11, 2008.
[edit] References
- ^ Lindecke, Fred W., "Missouri winery fined for importing too much California juice", St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Sepember 22, 1991) p. 3B
- ^ Pollack, Joe, "Mt. Pleasant's actions tarnish industry", St. Louis Post-Dispatch (October 22, 1991) p. 4D
- ^ "Bad debt squeezes St. Charles winery; Sale of property schedule for June 12", Kansas City Star (June 3, 1992) p. C2
- ^ VandeWater, Judith, "Mt. Pleasant Winery sold to vintner's brother", St. Louis Post-Dispatch (June 13, 1992) p. 8C
- ^ VandeWater, Judith, "Mt. Pleasant Winery to go on auction block after default on deed", St. Louis Post-Dispatch (June 2, 1992)
- ^ Gillerman, Margaret and VandeWater, Judith, "Winery auction's a family affair", St Louis Post-Dispatch (June 15, 1992) p 1
- ^ Weil, Tom (3 October 1982). "Corncob capital of the world". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/03/travel/corncob-capital-of-the-world.html?&pagewanted=2.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 38°34′15.22″N 90°53′09.33″W / 38.5708944°N 90.885925°W
