Ruth Lewandowski Wines 2021 'Chilion Zero' Skin Contact Cortese, Fox Hill Vineyard, Mendocino County

Item Number: 19521

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Mendocino
Appellation/AVA: Mendocino County
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Fox Hill Vineyard
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): Cortese
Type: Wine - Orange
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 11.8
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Vine Age: ~30 years

Winemaking Notes: The Cortese is destemmed and ferments naturally with full skin and extended maceration for 6+ months. There is no temperature control or fermentation aids of any sort. Chilion goes through full native malolactic conversion. The skins are pressed on the spring equinox of 2021. The wine ages for another 6 months in neutral barrels and egg shaped tanks. No sulfites are employed at any point.

Wine Notes: Two acres of Cortese are farmed at Fox Hill Vineyard. That's roughly 1/6th of all Cortese planted in the United States. Cortese will always be a rarity in California and the United States, but Cortese with 6(+) months of skin contact doubles down on the uncommonness of it all. Chilion is a chance for all to see the incredible complexity of the Cortese grape. The extended maceration provides amplified spice, herbs, and phenolics, which are different than we're all accustomed to with this particular grape.