The famed Italian design firm and coachbuilder, Pininfarina, known for its classic styling and passionately high quality, debuted Pininfarina Wine in August in Monterey, CA at the Concorso Italiano. The firm has partnered with Heck Estates in California, made famous by five generations of winemaking in the area, to present the first in a series of wines that will spotlight a different region’s specialty. The inaugural bottle is the 2005 Vino Rosso and the first three-liter bottle was auctioned off for $3,000 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The 2005 Vino Rosso is a Napa Valley red that is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 6% Sangiovese, 5% Petit Verdot. It is noted for its black currant and raspberry aromas and though perfectly drinkable today is predicted to enter its prime between 2010 and 2012 but really begin to sing in 2017. Pininfarina Wine is very particular in its suggestions. The company encourages that the Vino Rosso be paired with game fowl like duck confit or a slow-roasted pheasant but strongly encourages an Italian favorite: a traditional Milanese veal osso buco with a saffron risotto.

The sleek gold label reflects Pininfarina’s roots as carbon fiber detail surrounding the label is reminiscent of the firm’s automotive oeuvres. Just 1,125 cases were produced and bottles sell on the Pininfarina Wine website for $95 each. In coming years, the company promises to make the addition of a Brunello from Tuscany and a Barolo from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy to the Vino Rosso offering.

Via Luxist