Biography

Winemaker & Co-Owner - Kosta Arger

Kosta Arger was born in Tacoma, Washington and was raised in a traditional Greek family, where his father and uncles made home wine with their Italian cronies. He attended medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle and completed his postgraduate training in cardiology at the University of California at Davis. He started his cardiology practice in Reno in 1985.

His interest in wine began while he was still in college in the Pacific Northwest. He began tasting with a professional tasting group in Seattle and also began judging in various competitions throughout the West Coast on a regular basis.

Given his background in chemistry, his fascination with wine making grew and in 1975 Dr. Arger and his bride, Julie, met Joe & Alice Heitz in February while on their honeymoon in the Napa Valley. Their respect and friendship grew and Kosta asked Joe if he could help work the 1976 Crush.

Finally, after working the long crush, Joe said to Kosta, "You really like this! Why don't you try making some wine on your own?" Joe arranged for Kosta to get a half-ton of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Nathan Fay and truck them back to Seattle. The 1976 vintage marked his first winemaking venture and he still keeps a few bottles in his cellar to remind him of that memorable first experience.

Dr. Arger proceeded to make wine each year, with the exception of his internship year in 1979. After meeting Jo Ann and Tony Truchard in 1981, Kosta began making Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot & Cabernet Franc and has produced his Cabernet Sauvignon in this traditional Bordeaux style ever since. In 1985, Kosta asked his sister to pick up a barrel from a broker in the Bay Area. She inadvertently brought him a Burgundy-style barrel so he said, "I guess we will have to try some Pinot Noir." He thinks it was "beginner's luck" as the 1985 turned out to be a phenomenal wine from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. Kosta has been making a small amount of Pinot Noir ever since.

In addition to Pinot Noir and Cabernet, he makes a proprietary Cabernet blend named Odyssey which is the signature wine of Arger-Martucci Vineyards. For Cabernet Franc people like his partner, Rich, he makes a small amount of Cabernet Franc. He has also purchased a tiny amount of Petite Syrah grapes from 140-year-old vines and made some exceptional old vine wine. Chardonnay and Viognier are the two white wines he makes. Dulcinea is an exquisite late harvest Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine he makes in those years when weather conditions permit. For the past three years he has made a Rosé of Cabernet called Saigniée Sauvage sold primarily at the winery. In the future he plans to make a white meritage from Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Muscat.

Dr. Arger and his wife Julie live in Reno, Nevada where he has his full time Cardiology practice. On weekends they drive to Napa where he dons his winemaker hat. He also has his own cooking show, currently in the Reno market, called Dr. Kosta and Dave. When asked how he has time for so many activities Arger answers, “It’s easy. I don’t golf.”

Kosta and Julie have three grown children, Katarena, Anthony and Nicholas. They help market and support the Arger-Martucci label by pouring at various tastings and events and introducing the wines to favorite restaurants and retail outlets. Anthony recently moved from New York City in order to join the team full-time and is now heading all of the external sales and marketing duties for the winery.

Co-Owners - Rich and Carol Martucci

Rich and Carol Martucci moved to Reno from New York in 1978. A banker, Martucci initially worked for Nevada National Bank then started his own mortgage company. He then acquired a struggling bank that he turned into a successful, multi-branch community bank. He sold that business in 1998, but continues to serve on its Board of Directors. Also a wine enthusiast, Martucci purchased Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in the Carneros Region in 1999. Soon after, they bought a home and 240 acres of property on Soda Canyon Road. Rich is the “numbers pro” in the partnership. When winemaker, Kosta is extolling the flavors of their wine in the barrel, Rich is counting the barrels. During bottling, Rich again, has his eye on the numbers, ordering the appropriate number of bottles, corks, capsules and labels not to mention dealing with the legal aspects of running a winery business. Retired, Rich and Carol enjoy travelling but remain instrumental in promoting Arger-Martucci wines.

They have two adult children, Richard Jr., and Vincent. Vincent and his wife, Katie, live in the house on the winery property. Vincent assists Dr. Arger with the winemaker duties and also oversees the day-to-day winery and tasting room operations. Katie has her own jewelry making business and is available most weekends to meet and greet visitors.