North America | California | Two Shepherds | Pinot Gris Skin Fermented “Ramato”

Pinot Gris Skin Fermented “Ramato”

VARIETAL
Pinot Gris

NOTES

VINEYARD: Clarbec Vineyard. Planted 25 years ago in a cooler section of Sonoma Valley, on classic Sonoma gravel and loam - formerly an ancient creek bed that left a lot of gravel - providing excellent drainage. Dry- and organically-farmed by the 4th generation of the Clarbec family.

VINIFICATION: Due to drought, the vineyard yield was 50% less than normal, resulting in a slightly darker color this year, and slightly more flavor concentration. The grapes were de-stemmed to embrace freshness, crushed to maximize skin contact, and left on the skins in open small 3/4 ton bins for the start of fermentation. Fermentation occurred naturally with indigenous yeast; no additions or sold soak, with two manual punch-downs per day.
After five days the wine was pressed off the skins into neutral French oak barrels, without settling, to finish primary fermentation, then ML natively, for 5 months total elevage. The wine remained on heavy lees for 5 months, unstirred, until racking one month before bottling in February, with no fining, filtration, or additions other than a small amount of of SO2 (20ppm). Bottled in clear glass to show off its gorgeous orange color.
260 cases produced (21 cases for MA)

TASTING NOTES: A wine crafted to be fresh and vibrant, easy-drinking yet with layered nuanced complexity. A fun introduction to skin contact wines, with savory notes that pair very well with food, but may be enjoyed on its own as well.