2022 Pinot Nero

Vineyard: Grishaw 

Philosophy
Our Nero is a delicate take on the iconic grape so often misunderstood when featured as a powerhouse red in our cool climate region. Intentional work in the cellar  allows elegant complexities to shine, unhindered by excessive oak.

Flavor Notes
Beautiful light cherry, clove, and cola aromas are followed by subtle spices and barrel notes appearing as vanilla and sandalwood. A soft musky quality to this vintage nods to Pinot Noir’s classic earthy undertones.

Pairings
Pair with fragrant cheeses like gruyere, brie, or chevre. Woodfire mushroom pizza with tomato sauce will coax out earthier, herbal notes in the wine. Also, try with tomato quiche or black pepper pesto pasta.

Vinification
2022 was a cool fall, resulting in a lighter Pinot Noir. The fruit was harvested on October 10th, 2022 from Grishaw Vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula. Berries were gently destemmed and placed in a stainless steel pumpover tank with dry ice for a cold soak. Fermentation began quickly and we pressed the grapes ten days later to preserve delicate fruit aromas without excess tannins. The Pinot aged in a selection of two to six year old French oak demi muids where it went through malolactic fermentation on its lees. The barrels were blended on July 20th, 2023 and bottled on August 8th after nine and a half months of aging. 

Cellaring
This vintage is ready to enjoy now and will peak around 2025.