The history of Corazon Tequila

Tequila, the spirit of Mexico, dates back to the time of the Aztecs and descends from what might be North America’s first alcoholic beverage, pulque. Made from the mezcal plant, which belongs to the genus agave, pulque is a sticky almost sour tasting beverage. Not very good for a margarita. But the Aztecs loved it for its wholesome and nutritious properties. When the Spanish conquistadors came, they brought with them the art of distillation. They tried distilling the mezcal and, lucky for us, eventually came up with tequila.
There are hundreds of types of mezcal plants. It took a lot of trial and error, and probably a few fun nights, before it was discovered that the best tequila comes from the best species of mezcal plant, Agave tequileana Weber, blue variety. This blue agave is grown in the highlands of Jalisco in Mexico, and according to the government of Mexico, this is the only agave that can be used to produce authentic tequila. When Mexico gained its independence in 1821, tequila gained prominence and became a symbol of a new, free Mexico. It is an exciting spirit that captures perfectly the lively exuberance of Mexico.

The History of Corazon Tequila
In 1896, Don Celso Plascencia had a dream. He was a humble working man born in the highlands of Jalisco. He worked the land, and as he traveled to and from the fields that belonged to other men, he promised that one day, his family would own their own estate and make their own tequila, the spirit of Mexico. He passed this dream onto his children along with the notion that hard work will make your visions come true. 100 years later, Don Celso’s grandson, Raul Plascencia, fulfilled the dream of his grandfather. An entrepreneur in Mexico, Raul saved his money and, investing with others, opened Destiladora San Nicolas in 1998.

Destiladora San Nicolas blends tradition with technology. They create tequila as it has been made for generations, using the best blue agave, the clearest water, and time. They bring that process into the 21st century with a state-of-the-art facility and modern standards. Don Celso’s dream to own his own land, tend his own fields, and make his own tequila is now a reality. Don Celso’s vision and heart is in Corazon Tequila. For Tequila lovers, there is something new to get passionate about...Tequila Corazón de Agave. Corazón de Agave, literally "heart of agave", is the exotic new entry in the ultra premium 100% blue agave tequila market.

Tequila Corazón de Agave is created with 100% of the juice from the blue agave plants, grown in the rich, red soil of the highlands of Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. The agave grown in this region are considered to be the largest and sweetest of all agave plants, taking between 8-12 years to mature to their full flavor. For this reason, Corazón de Agave is produced from only these select plants. Corazón de Agave is estate grown, cultivated, distilled, aged to perfection in new, charred, Canadian oak barrels and hand bottled at Destiladora San Nicolas Estate in Mexico.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

A Pioneering Legacy in Washington Wines

Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington state with some of the most mature vineyards in the Columbia Valley. The winery’s roots date back to after the Repeal of Prohibition, when the Pommerelle Wine Company and the National Wine Company were formed in 1934. They merged in 1954 to form American Wine Growers and produced mostly fortified sweet wines. In 1967, American Wine Growers began a new line of premium vinifera wines called “Ste. Michelle Vintners” under the direction of legendary California winemaker and consultant Andre Tchelistcheff. Ste. Michelle Vintners planted its first vines at its Cold Creek Vineyard in Eastern Washington in 1972. Cold Creek Vineyard remains one of the oldest and most renowned vineyards in the state.

In 1976 Ste. Michelle Vintners built a French style Chateau in Woodinville, outside of Seattle, and changed its name to Chateau Ste. Michelle to reflect its new facility. The winery was built on the 1912 estate owned by Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson. The original Stimson family residence still stands on the winery grounds today and is on the National Register of Historical Places.

Today, Chateau Ste. Michelle is not only recognized for pioneering vinifera grape growing in the Columbia Valley, but is also a leader in modern day viticultural research. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions. Known for its highly acclaimed Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet, Chateau Ste. Michelle receives some of the highest accolades in the industry, including “American Winery of the Year 2004” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and “2005 Winery of the Year” by Restaurant Wine Magazine.