Primitivo 2018 - Library

Appellation:

Shenandoah Valley

Winemaker Notes:

The 2018 season was characterized by lighter rainfall than usual with a totally dry December and February. Half the season's rain fell in March which contributed to good vine growth. Bud break was about a month later due to many cold nights in March/April. With the delayed start, harvest ended up being about 3 weeks later than usual October 6 at a Brix of 24.9.

Our Primitivo Seta was made by taking the “free run” juice right after fermentation, before pressing the remaining solids, making for a silky and lighter but full-bodied Primitivo wine. After crushing the grapes we removed the stems to minimize tannins and herbal flavors, fermented and punched down the wine manually over two weeks, and then gently bladder-pressed it. Secondary malolactic fermentation was done over six months during the winter and the wine was aged for 2 years prior to bottling. 50% French oak added.

It is light on tannins, dancing on your tongue with characteristics of plum, dried cherries, black pepper, vanilla and licorice. A very balanced structure and mineral taste due to our Sierra granite soil. Due to its light tannins, it pairs well with anything tomato based, such as spaghetti Bolognese, veal parmigiana, or chicken cacciatore. It is also great with earthy vegetables like mushrooms, onion and eggplant, or dry and firm cheeses.

Vineyard Notes:

Planted on deep growing and drought tolerant special rootstock, our Estate Old Vine Primitivo grows on a steep hillside at a 2,000-foot altitude in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley of the Sierra Foothills. It thrives in warm daytime breezes from the Central Valley and cool Sierra evenings, a 30 degree swing in temperature. Our Primitivo is dry farmed with sustainable growing practices.