North America | California | Tendu
Tendu
Summary
In 2003, Steve Matthiasson, a leading viticultural consultant, moved to Napa Valley, and with his wife Jill, launched the Matthiasson brand. He is the winemaker and she manages the wine business and fruit orchards. In addition to his work with many famed Napa Valley clients, Steve Matthiasson has made distinctive, balanced, lower alcohol wines using less traditional grape varieties and blends. His pioneering efforts have inspired a host of independent winemakers embracing low-intervention methods and responsible growing practices.
In 2012, the Matthiassons and their CA wine broker embarked on a new project to produce handcrafted, affordable natural wines under the Tendu label. “Tendu” is French for taut or tense, and the Tendu wines display body, strength, and zest. Made with grapes sourced from the less expensive Sacramento Valley - specifically in the Dunnigan Hills of Yolo County, the Tendu wines are refreshingly delicious and affordable.