A Tasting of Opus One and Overture with Winemaker Michael Silacci
Opus One is is arguably one of the most heralded and iconic wines in all of Napa Valley and the world. It started as a collaboration between California wine legend Robert Mondavi and French wine legend Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Dame Gina Voci, long-time Central States Division sales manager for Opus One wines, arranged a priceless Opus One experience that you can now enjoy via video link from the comfort of your own couch.
Michael Silacci didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up. So he took a couple of years to travel through Asia and Europe to window-shop for a profession. When he arrived in France, his knowledge of French was limited to “bon voyage”. Someone suggested that if he wanted to eat well, learn to speak French, and earn some francs, he should harvest grapes. Two-hour lunches in the vineyard and fine wine were all it took to lead him to a career in winemaking and a life spent walking among the vines.
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About Michael Silacci: Assuming full responsibility for all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking, Michael was named Winemaker at Opus One in May 2003. He has been at Opus One since March of 2001, first serving as Director of Viticulture and Enology. He is also currently serving as President of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers association.
Prior to his current appointment, Michael spent six years as winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, one year as winemaker at King Estate in Oregon, and six years at Beaulieu Vineyard as enologist and viticulturist. He has also made wine in France and Chile. He holds a master’s degree in viticulture from U.C. Davis in addition to under-graduate degrees in enology and viticulture from U.C. Davis and the Université de Bordeaux.
Embracing a holistic vision of winegrowing as the ultimate expression of terroir, Michael ensures that the connection between viticulture and winemaking at Opus One is seamless, reflecting the philosophy of founders Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.