Celebrate Open That Bottle Night with Primera
Wine lovers, mark your calendars! Open That Bottle Night is a global celebration of sharing and savoring that special bottle you’ve been saving. Whether it’s a vintage from a memorable trip, a wine gifted for a special occasion, or one you’ve been waiting for the right moment to open—this is the night to finally enjoy it.
At Tolosa, we believe every bottle has a story, and there’s no better way to honor that than with Primera, a wine that embodies elegance, precision, and a true sense of place. Our winemaker shares what makes this flagship Pinot Noir so special, along with expert tips on how to open a wax-sealed bottle with ease.
What is Open That Bottle Night?
Founded by wine columnists Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher in 1999, Open That Bottle Night is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of February. It’s a night to stop waiting for the “perfect” occasion and instead create one—opening a cherished bottle with family, friends, or even just for yourself.
Primera 2018: A Vintage Worth Opening
Primera 2018 is a standout expression of Pinot Noir from Edna Valley, sourced from our finest Single Vineyard selections. This limited-production wine is defined by its refined structure, layered complexity, and aging potential.
"With Primera, we strive to create the most complete Pinot Noir possible—one that captures the full potential of Edna Valley," says winemaker Frederic Delivert. "This wine is not just a blend of our best vineyard blocks; it’s the result of over a decade of meticulous selection and refinement."
NOSE
Bright Red Fruits, Highlighted by Pomegranate
Rainier Cherries
Fine-grained Leather
Baking Spices
PALATE
Black cherry
Red Beet
Raspberry
Cinnamon & Ground Herbs
FINISH
Long & Lingering
Minerality
What Makes Primera the Pinnacle of Tolosa’s Portfolio
In Spanish, Primera translates to "first" symbolizing both prestige and priority—a fitting name for Tolosa’s flagship Pinot Noir. The name is believed to have been chosen to represent the first and finest expression of our estate’s most exceptional vineyard selections.
Initially, Primera was a blend of top-performing blocks from across our estate, evolving year after year as we identified the finest fruit sources. By 2021, the focus shifted to a more defined identity, sourcing exclusively from a specific area of Edna Ranch, formerly known as Single Vineyard Hollister - Edna Ranch. "The grapes from this site are unique—smaller berries, deeper color, and richer fruit concentration," he notes. "We loved it so much that in 2020, we transitioned Syrah out of the vineyard and replaced it with three different clones of Pinot Noir to solidify Primera’s future."
Beyond site selection, recent vintages have introduced innovative techniques such as barrel fermentation, stem inclusion, and aging in Ovonum barrels to further enhance complexity. "These techniques give us more blending components to craft the most expressive and complete Pinot Noir we can," he adds. Through thoughtful evolution, Primera has become the pinnacle of Tolosa’s Pinot Noir portfolio, a wine that speaks to both the character of Edna Valley and the precision of our craft.
"From the first vintage in 2015 to today, Primera has evolved into something truly special. Each year, we’ve refined our vineyard selection to craft a Pinot Noir with greater depth, structure, and identity."
How to Open a Wax-Sealed Bottle Like a Pro
If you’re new to opening wax-dipped bottles, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think. Follow these simple steps:
1. No Need to Remove the Wax – Unlike foil, the wax seal doesn’t need to be peeled off.
2. Insert the Corkscrew Directly Into the Wax – Position the corkscrew in the center of the cork and twist through the wax.
3. Pull Up on the Cork – Once the cork is secure, pull it up gently. The wax will naturally crack and break away.
4. Clean the Rim – Use a cloth to remove any wax fragments before pouring your wine.
For a seamless pour, we recommend letting the wine breathe for 30 minutes to an hour. While Primera doesn’t typically need to be decanted, certain vintages may benefit from it.
Pairing Suggestions for Open That Bottle Night
Pairing Primera 2018 with the right dish will elevate the experience. Our Winemaker’s favorite way to enjoy Primera is with duck breast and a side of wild mushrooms, stating that "the richness of the dish beautifully complements the wine’s depth and structure."
For a sweet pairing, try our exclusive Primera chocolates, specially crafted in collaboration with our friends at Mama Ganache. Made to complement the rich, layered complexity of Primera, these artisanal chocolates are available in a 4-pack at our estate—the perfect indulgence for Open That Bottle Night.
Join the Celebration
Make Open That Bottle Night extra special by sharing your Primera experience with us!
đŸ“¸ Tag @tolosawinery on Instagram & use #OpenThatBottleNight and we will share your moment on our feed!
Don’t have a bottle of 2018 Primera yet? Shop now to secure yours before OTBN!
Raise a glass and celebrate Open That Bottle Night with us on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.