Zinfandel-related Clones, Vermentino, Mendocino County, US 

A full zinf-in-meal! Martha is a significant part of the New California winemaking movement, with worldly wine experience and natural vine growing wisdom. While the soils in these parcels have been planted to grapes for over 100 years, these ‘young vines’ of zinfandel-related clones (primitivo, rockpile, dupratt, dempel) are, on average, less than 15 years old. All clones were harvested together, co-fermented whole cluster, and after a month total on stems and skins, pressed to old oak barrels. The vermentino was gently foot tread, pressed and fermented in stainless steel before blending. After making a serious ‘Sophie’s choice’, she narrowed it down to just 10 barrels from the 2019 vintage that would progress forward in the aging process – meaning this wine spent 18 months in barrel AND an additional 14 months bottle aging before release = 32 months total! FUN FACT! This wine throws a flirty Californian wink at Côte-Rôtie, where viognier may be blended into syrah as a means to lift its aromatics. MINT, cigar box, wild blackberry, baking spice, and ancho chili — lemon zest from the splash of vermentino – sumac & fine, taught & dusty tannins (Venturi Vineyard’s signature). Pair with lots of friends & a Martha inspired dinner party! Winemakers note for contemplation: “as much as this wine is a child with an old soul, it’s an expression of wise elders who are children at heart.”