GALLO: VINTAGE 1997

I am writing to commend you on the excellent article describing how the third generation of the Gallo family is taking their leadership role within the historic context of the Ernest and Julio Gallo winemaking legacy (“Not Your Grandfather’s Gallo,” by Barry Stavro, March 2).

It was my privilege to know all of the Gallo families when I served as Bishop of Stockton from 1980 to 1985, and you have captured well the vision and spirit of these wonderful families and their commitment to provide excellent wines.

The one dimension that your article did not mention was the deep-faith life of all the Gallo family members. From my very first meeting with them in 1980, I was impressed by how much their personal faith meant to them. While the elements of expertise, talent and luck have been components of their success, their personal faith has underpinned all of their endeavors and given all of their ventures a deeper meaning.

Cardinal Roger Mahony

Archbishop of Los Angeles

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By now, I have read more than enough about the Gallos; it’s all just too hard to swallow. In the past, we’ve seen many articles about the elder Gallos’ infighting and back-stabbing. And now we have Stephanie Gallo unabashedly defending the marketing of an inferior product.

Linda Schulz

Big Bear Lake

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Stavro committed a factual error by twice dismissing Gallo Hearty Burgundy as a “screw-top” wine. Some hands-on research would have informed him that Hearty Burgundy is corked, just like expensive varietals.

Kathleen Ellison

Los Angeles