2020 Bel Tramonto

35% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese, 2o% refosco, 15% Teroldego, 5% NEbbiolo

Philosophy
There was once a time when the idea of growing Italian varieties on Old Mission Peninsula seemed outlandish. The 2020 Bel Tramonto is a testament to the determination and imagination required to make a Northern Michigan Italian blend a reality. Bel Tramonto translates to beautiful sunset in Italian, representing the marriage of bright red Sangiovese against the darker hued Merlot. The 2020 vintage features a majority percentage of Italian grapes and shows our northern Michigan climate can create acidity akin to characteristic northern Italian wines.

Flavor Notes
Underscoring what we love most about our Italian reds, Bel Tramonto expresses a beautiful combination of cranberry, strawberry, anise, and mint flavors. Silky smooth tannins and a distinctive acidity come together with an elegant, delicate finish.

Vinification
The grapes were harvested across multiple vineyards over the course of ten days, starting with Italian varieties from our Irish hoop houses on October 19th, 2020 and finishing with Merlot from Grishaw on the 29th. All grapes were fermented in open top bins, with some co-fermentation between Italian varieties, and underwent daily punch downs. The grapes were all pressed between November 6th and 29th into neutral demi muids and barriques where they went through malolactic fermentation and aged for two years. On November 29th, 2022 the wine was blended before bottling on December 8th.

Pairings
Red sauces are a classic pairing—we suggest pizza with fennel sausage and mushroom or pasta with marinara and wild game. Highlight fruit flavor in the wine with a chicken provençal.

Cellaring
Ready to enjoy now (Dec 2022) with recommended decanting. Perfect for aging through 2031.