Miro Cellars
Born and raised in northern Bulgaria, a region with many millennia of winemaking history, Miro (Miroslav) Tcholakov was exposed to wine and winemaking at a very early age. His grandfather had for years made the family supply of wine, and as a boy, Miro was at his side during all phases of the process.
After completing his mandatory military service, Miro attended the Higher Institute of Agriculture in Plovdiv where he studied viticulture and enology. Soon after graduation in the summer of 1990, he was chosen from hundreds of candidates to participate in an international agriculture exchange program set up by the Future Farmers of America. After a few months in Napa, he was taken on as harvest intern at Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Vineyard. What was supposed to be a temporary harvest job turned into a nine-year position moving through the ranks from Cellar Master to Assistant Winemaker.
In 1998, Miro went to work as Winemaker for Trentadue Winery, which is still his “day job.” In addition to bringing more acclaim to the winery by creating world class award-winning wines, Miro’s oversees many custom crush operations for some renowned winemaker clients.
In 2001, Miro began his own brand with his inaugural bottling of his Petite Sirah. Within a few weeks of its release, it received a fat 90 points and a “well-endowed” write-up from Robert Parker, Jr. in the Wine Advocate.
In addition to Miro's talented winemaking, Molly Fischer, affectionately known as "Mrs. Miro," is an artist who creates the lovely and unique label art for Miro Cellars bottles. Molly also handles all the orders and other administrative duties that make the business run smoothly.
Kyufte (Pork & Beef Meatball)
Kyufte a spiced ground pork and beef meatball slapped with a spatula. It's a popular BBQ dish in Bulgaria, the home country of Miro Tcholakov, owner and winemaker for Miro Cellars.
Ingredients:
2 lbs minced or ground meat (60% pork, 40% beef)
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
3 cloves of garlic, minced (we prefer it with garlic but it's not necessary)
Finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, if desired
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Shape into balls, then flatten in patty-like pieces, and grill. Serve with a homegrown tomato-cucumber-feta salad and grilled eggplant and peppers. Makes about 20 pieces.
Serve:
Pair this dish with Miro Cellars 2021 Bastoni Vineyard Zinfandel Fountaingrove District. This full-bodied, intensely aromatic Zinfandel pairs beautifully with highly-seasoned grilled meats rubbed with all kinds of peppers and spices. That quality of intensity may seem like a little much on a hot summer evening, but that is precisely why it will work: you can chill it down. If you’ve never tried a cold glass of red wine, you’re not the only one... most wines will close down, and the aromas and flavors become very reticent. However, this Zin is so hearty that its fresh blackberry fruitiness will still jump right out of the glass. Its balanced acidity makes it a refreshing quaff when chilled, but slow down! Enjoy how the Zin will open up and change as it warms in your glass. The wine’s balance is the key: it’s intense but not heavy, like a great barbecue dinner.
Wines Currently Available
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
92 Points -- Wine Enthusiast
Boasts a fruity nose of dark cherry compote, hints of cranberry, ripe strawberry, and rose petals. Opens to reveal nuances of cola, vanilla, toast, with a dash of forest floor and fresh earthy notes. Palate is fresh, ripe fruit, finishing with balanced acidity and soft, silky tannins.
2021 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
93 Points -- Wine Enthusiast
(SOLD OUT)
A lovely wine with distinct blueberry and blackberry aromas, accented by hints of violets. Subtle vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and slight toast notes emerge as it opens. Solid, medium-bodied mouthfeel with soft, elegant tannins, accentuating a long, juicy finish.
2021 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Zinfandel (FountainGrove District)
This wine is loaded with the “essence” of typical Dry Creek Zins... wild berries, dark cherries and strawberries. Oak barrels contribute aromas of spice, toast, slight vanilla and chocolate, and a dash of brown sugar. On the palate the wine is full, soft and finishes fresh and juicy.
2021 Zinfandel (FountainGrove District)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Zinfandel (FountainGrove District)
Aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, plum and raisins dominate this beautiful wine. The fine oak barrel aging brings in subtle notes of vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon, along with slight toast and smokiness. The mouth feel is solid, with medium body and very soft, elegant tannins that accentuate the wine’s long and juicy finish.
2022 Reserve Chardonnay
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
Although not the first Chardonnay Miro Tcholakov has crafted, it's the first he's produced for Miro Cellars. Aromas of apple and lemon blossoms tempt upon first sip, followed by flavors of ripe Granny Smith apple melded with pineapple and honeysuckle. The mouthfeel is satiny and buttery, yet crisp on the long and satisfying finish.
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
This prime hillside Alexander Valley Vineyard is owned by Drs. Siegemund and Serio where these cabernet grapes are grown is biodynamically farmed with minimal irrigation and fertilizing. The location is just south of bucolic Cloverdale. The entire vineyard is only five acres on five different blocks. The vines are closely spaced and bask in a Southeastern exposure. The aCure eState Cab grows in high-mineral-content decomposed serpentine and granite, shallow with low fertility. This is an exclusive, very limited production -- only 290 cases (12 barrels) made.
Cabernet Sauvignon (Hitchcock vineyard)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Hitchcock vineyard)
Miro is always on a quest to find new and interesting vineyards off the beaten path, and he found just that with Hitchcock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are located at the top of the mountain range dividing the Russian River, Knights Valley, and Chalk Hill appellations. Besides the forever views, the vineyard gets plenty of sunshine and cool breezes. The relatively old vines, in combination with the terroir—steep hills and volcanic soils—produce intense wine with spectacular color and concentrated tannins. Altogether, this is an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon that will bring joy to your senses. 440 cases produced.
2020 Zinfandel (Alexander Valley)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Hitchcock vineyard)
Get this lovely Zin while it lasts! This wine is bright and lively with concentrated aromas of dark cherry, blueberry and plums, with a touch of the Zin-typical raisin-esque aromas. The fine oak barrel aging imbues subtle aromas of vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and slight toasty-oaky smokiness. Medium-bodied, with very soft, elegant tannins that accentuate the wine’s long and juicy finish.
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