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After spending much of his life taking oil samples and grading gasoline, new winemaker now takes barrel samples and pours vineyard soul. Small lot winemaking has always been big in Europe. The trend is growing in the U.S.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) September 20, 2007 -- After spending much of his life taking oil samples and grading gasoline, new winemaker now takes barrel samples and pours vineyard soul. Small lot winemaking has always been big in Europe. The trend is growing in the U.S.

Jonathan Branch remembers hearing the old man say it first. He was sitting at a cafe table in a small town in Italy. The old man said the word "Animae" to the waitress. He was describing a wine to her. After the man left, Jonathan asked the waitress what "Animae" meant, and she said "soul". The wine had soul. He instantly new that he wanted to make wine. Wine that had soul.

Jonathan had worked for 17 years with Britsh Petroleum. Taking crude oil samples and grading finished gasoline. Work allowed him to travel the world, and he had his first experience with a great wine from the Alsace region while visiting Paris. It changed his life.

Paris was a long way from the hard and violent streets of the fifth ward in Houston, Texas. He considered himself lucky to make it out. But many of the older folks who lived in the fifth ward were transplanted farmers, and they also knew about "Animae". They grew much of their food in their backyard.

So what does a person with a great job do when he falls in love with the idea of making his own wine ? He quits. Volunteers to work at a co-op winery shoveling grape skins, sorting the spiders from the fruit, and doing punchdowns until his arms are about to fall off. In doing this, some of the best winemakers around gave up their knowledge, and allowed Jonathan to source some excellent fruit from Napa, and produce his first wine. A 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Which is aptly titled Branch Cellars "Animae"Blend."

Jonathan Branch has no regrets about leaving the 90 octane tests, and hopefully scoring some 90 point reviews of his wine. He knows African -American winemakers are rare , and small production wines are just starting to catch on, but he believes people are coming back to things that are made with a little love, and a little "Animae."

2005 Branch Cellars "Animae" Cabernet Sauvignon
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot; this desirious red wine truly has soul. Aromas of blueberry, cocoa, and tobacco are featured prominently on the nose. The palate delivers mouthwatering, fruit forward, flavors of black cherry, cocoa and subtle mineral notes that compliment this red's soft tannins. --Tom Dinardo of WineSquire

Press Contact: Jonathan Branch
Company Name: Branch Cellars
Phone: 626-840-6745
Website: branchcellars.com

# posted by (hris @ 11:14 PM 0 Comments

Direct Mortgage Pro, an online resource for home financing options, expects borrowers to benefit from an aid plan currently being finalized by mortgage lenders and regulators.

Washington (PRWEB) December 8, 2007 -- Some of the nation's top lenders and regulators for the mortgage industry are meeting to firm up plans to help homeowners with sub prime mortgages, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Organizations like Direct Mortgage Pro, which work with lenders to provide the best financing options for home buyers, expect this to benefit homeowners as credit tightens in the United States.

"We are working aggressively and quickly ... to help financially responsible but struggling homeowners," said Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. "We are determined to bring this diverse group together, to develop a set of standards that will be implemented across the industry, from the largest mortgage servicers to the smaller specialty servicers."

As credit tightens in the United States, and sub prime home loans are becoming uncommon, future homeowners should be less likely to end up in this credit crunch. Many current homeowners are close to default, though, as the adjustable rates on their sub prime mortgage program skyrocket. Some financial experts believe these mortgage rates should be temporarily frozen to make it easier for these homeowners to make their mortgage payments and keep their homes.

Companies like Direct Mortgage Pro, however, are working to provide today's home buyers with the best mortgage rates and lending programs, so they will not find themselves in this position in the future.

For more information about the current mortgage market and financing options, visit www.directmortgagepro.com

About Direct Mortgage Pro:
Direct Mortgage Pro believes that getting the best rates and terms on a mortgage should not be a stressful, time-consuming process. They provide what their clients need without wasting any time. By filling out a brief form, borrowers will have a highly trained mortgage coach contact them in a timely manner.

Contact:
Shane Copeland
858-342-1417
email protected from spam bots
Direct Mortgage Pro
www.directmortgagepro.com

Press Contact: Shane Copeland
Company Name: www.directmortgagepro.com
Phone: 858-342-1417
Website: http://www.directmortgagepro.com

# posted by (hris @ 1:55 PM 0 Comments