2021 Troglodyte Rosso

65% Pinot Noir, 25% Teroldego, 10% Merlot

Philosophy
Winemaker Sean O’Keefe believes in balance through blending. This philosophy is a driving force behind the Troglodyte wines—the individual varieties forgo the spotlight in favor of a seamless blending of textures and flavors. For a long time, winemakers ran away from acidity while chasing big bordeauxs, but in this case the Teroldego adds a refreshing acidic feel and tannic edge to a majority Pinot Noir blend. Troglodyte is a name that was chosen by owner Marty Lagina meaning, “cave dweller”. While originally a term of derision, we believe it’s amusingly appropriate for how our winemaking team dwells in the Mari wine caves.

Flavor Notes
Ripe cherries and juicy red fruit—influenced by soft Pinot Noir, followed by vanilla from time in oak. Tannins from Teroldego act as a ballast, preserving the natural aromatic beauty of our Pinot Noir without trying to force it into a darker direction.

Vinification
The Pinot Noir from Bella Vista was harvested on September 27th, 2021 and the Pinot Noir from Grishaw was picked just afterwards on October 1st. Both harvests were pressed on October 19th and transferred straight into neutral oak demi muids. The Merlot was harvested October 22nd and the Teroldego on October 30th. Both varieties were fermented in stainless steel red wine tanks and pressed on November 18th into a one year old and neutral oak demi muids, respectively. After aging for eight months, the three varieties were blended July 14th 2022 and the wine was lightly filtered and bottled on July 28th.

Pairings
Troglodyte Rosso is the perfect charcuterie board wine. Think Italian meats like mortadella and soft goat cheese. The blend’s fruit driven youth is also a great ballast for savory pad see ew or rustic roasted lamb with potatoes.

Cellaring
This vintage is quite young upon release (October 2022) and will benefit from some aging. Enjoy now through 2028 to watch it evolve.

Public Release Date
October 7th, 2022