Martha Stoumen 2021 Valdiguie, Mendocino County

Item Number: 18650

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Mendocino
Appellation/AVA: Mendocino County
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vineyard Designation: Ricetti Vineyard
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): 100% Valdiguie
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 12.5
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Soil Type: Gravelly loam
Case Production: 170

Vineyard Notes: Valdiguié is from Ricetti Vineyard, Redwood Valley, Mendocino County. It was planted in 1948. The vineyard is dry farmed (non-irrigated) and certified organic.

Winemaking Notes: Whole clusters (stems intact) of Valdiguié were sealed in a tank for three days (semi-carbonic maceration). After opening the tank, a mixture of twice-daily punch downs and pump overs were used to gently extract tannin. The grapes were pressed prior to dryness and aged in neutral oak barrique for 18 months before bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: Not sure what to bring to the dinner party? This old vine, dry farmed hard-to-find gem fills the room with aromas of baking spice and the friendly ease of that person you can bring to any function. Start the conversation with the correction pronunciation: val-di-ghee.

Martha's Note: "Lesser known Valdiguié has experienced a bit of an identity crisis over the years. The once popular variety is still primarily grown in South West France (where it is known as Gros Auxerrois) and across California because of its adaptability to warmer climates. From Prohibition and up until the 1980s it was known as “Napa Gamay” due to the uncanny, and at times mistaken, resemblance to true Gamay (Beaujolais). Despite the correction, many of the old-vine-tending growers we work with still call it “Gamay” and our expression of Valdiguié from dry farmed Ricetti Vineyard leans hard into its much beloved doppelgänger: fresh, floral, full of red fruits, and a little spicy. With moderate alcohol it’ll have you finish the bottle without realizing it!"