2021 Proserpina

70% Merlot, 30% Teroldego

Vineyard: Merlot → Jamieson & Grishaw, Teroldego → Neason Cases: 271

Philosophy:
This wine is named for the Roman queen of the underworld, whose dramatic story is the mythological basis for the changing of the seasons. Each vernal equinox we celebrate the start of a new growing season by releasing this reserve blend. Dark, brooding Teroldego melds with fruity Merlot to mirror the myth of Pluto abducting Proserpina to the underworld. The blend ages in our caves for years until we welcome it back into the light, much like Ceres welcoming her daughter back after a season spent apart.

Flavor Notes:
Red berry notes and fine tannins make Merlot a fantastic foil for the dark fruit and youthful astringency of Teroldego—an intensely tannic Italian variety that’s making a comeback after commercial extinction for a century. While Teroldego forms the spine of the blend, approachable Merlot softens its edges with fruity flavors and a lush texture, wrapped in subtle oak from 21 months in demi muids.

Vinification:
The Merlot was harvested on October 22nd and 26th 2021 from Jameson and Grishaw Vineyards. The Teroldego was harvested on the 31st from Neason. Most of the Merlot was transferred to a red wine fermenter tank, while a small portion went into open top bins. The Teroldego went into open top bins as well, and all of these grapes received hand punch downs daily for three weeks. The Merlot was pressed on November 18th and the Teroldego on the 24th, both into a variety of demi muid barrels. After aging separately on their gross lees for 21 months, the wines were blended together on August 21st, 2023 and bottled shortly after on September 13th.

Pairings:
Pair with sharp cheddar cheeses, cacio e pepe, and pork tenderloin.

Cellaring:
This wine is perfect for aging. We recommend cellaring now through 2033.