Primitivo 2020

Appellation:

Shenandoah Valley

Winemaker Notes:

Our 2020 Primitivo was harvested by hand on September 12, 2020 at a Brix of 25 and pH 3.5. After gently crushing and destemming the grapes, we hand removed remaining stems from the must to reduce tannins and herbal flavors, fermented and punched down the wine manually over two weeks, and then gently bladder-pressed it. We  experimented with a new yeast this year which enhanced aromas and imparts a rich, lush, balanced mouthfeel. It was such a success we have decided to use this new yeast going forward. Secondary malolactic fermentation took place over the next few weeks and the wine was aged over nearly 2 years, bottled in March 2022. We infused French oak, equivalent to about 40% new oak, similar to our prior 2015-2017 vintages.

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.