2021 Bestiary Ramato

93% Pinot Grigio
7% Sauvignon Blanc
  + Malvasia Bianco
  + tocai friuLaNo

Philosophy
While Ramato wines have become popular in recent years—notably reviving in the Friuli region of Italy, they actually represent ancient Georgian winemaking techniques that persisted until considered rustic against advancing technology. The term “orange wine” can be misleading, and many variations wax philosophical but lack joy. Not trying to make an art film that you have to talk yourself into liking, Winemaker Sean O’Keefe aimed to preserve and balance the joy of the fruit against a pleasing astringency.

Flavor Notes
Our fourth vintage of Bestiary Ramato, this unique wine captures your attention with tea-like notes and bright fruit flavor. Pinot Grigio, being a mutation of Pinot Noir, features hints of clove—a trait often overwhelmed by the red grape’s fruit. The Ambra, a blend of Malvasia Bianca, Tocai Friulano, and Sauvignon Blanc, brings pomegranate and tropical fruit flavor that meld perfectly with the Pinot Grigio. The final blend is reminiscent of a fruity steeped tea with delicate tannins.

Vinification
The grapes were harvested on October 1st, 2021 from our Bella Vista vineyard. Destemmed and left whole berry, the grapes were transferred into red wine fermenters—with pumpovers occurring daily for 24 days. All of the Pinot Grigio grapes were pressed November 2nd and put into Doppelstücks and neutral oak demi muids, undergoing malolactic fermentation and aging for nine months. On August 1st, 2022 we blended a small portion of Ambra into the Pinot Grigio, and the finished wine was bottled on August 4th, 2022.

Pairing
Able to stand up against strong flavors, try the Ramato with a bitter green salad, brussel sprouts, spicy curry, fermented kimchi, or Korean beef tacos.

Cellaring
While quite drinkable now, the Ramato’s tannins will help it age similarly to a red wine. Expect to enjoy now through 2029.