North America | California | Two Shepherds | Vermentino

Vermentino

VARIETAL
Carignan

NOTES

VINEYARD: Trimble Vineyard, Hopland, Mendocino. Planted more than 75 years ago by his grandfather, Rick Trimble now manages this 10 acre, head-trained, organically-certified block, 50% of which Two Shepherds leases. While much of Hopland is very hot, this area is much cooler, enjoys a 30-40º diurnal shift, with the grapes typically taking until mid-October to reach 21-22 brix. Trimble, like most of the North Coast carignan dry-farmed vineyards, had a 75% lower than normal yield in 2021 due to drought.

VINIFICATION: The grapes were put into a stainless steel tank intact, gassed, sealed, and left untouched for 2.5 weeks in order to achieve true, intracellular carbonic maceration. Afterwards, the grapes were removed by hand via bucket, pressed gently off the skins, then back into stainless to finish native primary and secondary fermentation, staying there for 4-5 months. The wine was racked twice for bottling, with no additions other than a small amount of SO2 (20ppm).

TASTING NOTES: Intense purple color. Flavors are fun, bright, juicy, and immensely gulpable. Best served with a chill.