With an unusual name like ‘Tanji’ I’ve always been fascinated by what’s in a name, so when I came across a wine named ‘The Calling’ that features a mysterious key lock on the label, I was intrigued.
If you’ve ever experienced déjà vu or something in your life that seemed more destined than coincidental, you’ll appreciate this wine’s heritage.
Turns out ‘The Calling’ is a collaboration between two men who happened to meet in a restaurant – Jim Nantz, the famous Houstonian turned national sports broadcaster, and Peter Deutsch who, along with his father Bill, runs a very successful wine and spirits company—Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits.
Jim wrote a New York Times best selling book about his father called ‘Always by My Side,’ and Peter happened to read the book. A short time later Peter saw Jim dining at a restaurant and introduced himself. The more the two talked, the more they connected…both having close relationships with their fathers and a mutual love of good food and wine.
Through the course of their conversation, Jim and Peter discovered they only lived about a mile apart. What seemed like a coincidence was likely much more.
After more conversation (and wine), the two decided they had a mutual calling…to do something to honor both their fathers and the impact those men had in their lives.
Thus, The Calling was born. They teamed up with a talented, well-respected wine maker, Marco DiGuilio, and sourced some incredible grapes.
The Calling chardonnay grapes come from the renowned Dutton Ranch in Sonoma. The cabernet grapes hail from a hidden jewel of property in the Alexander Valley called Rio Lago…very close to where Silver Oak and Chalk Hill wineries get their grapes.
The result is incredibly priced, wonderful wines. With the Alexander Valley fruit, The Calling cabernet is softer than a Napa style cab—some would say more approachable and more food friendly.
The Chardonnay is more Burgundian in style – not overly oaked; it’s a very well balanced blend of acidity and lovely fruit.
After hearing the story of how The Calling came to be, I asked Peter what it felt like to finally pop a cork on their newly created wine.
His answer, and I quote, “I think about how funny life is sometimes…about uncertainty in life and why it’s important to keep your eyes open. I think about the energy in finding a true calling in your life and what’s behind that energy. I hope the people that drink our wine will be inspired to unlock the calling in their lives.”
I’m inspired! The Calling wines are available at Brennan’s, Del Friscos and a few other fine dining spots around Houston.
bill deutsch says
Dear Tanji,
So happy to read about Jim Nantz and son Peter Deutsch. I’m sure that your readers loved the piece you did. It was indeed a pleasure metting you with georges Duboeuf a few monthd ago when we visited Texas. Keep up the wonderful writing & interviewing.
All The Best
Bill Deutsch