VALDIGUIE
Redwood Valley
LOLONIS VINEYARD
This historic Prohibition-era ranch boasts some of the oldest known Vitis vinifera plantings in California. The Valdiguie, a heritage variety also known as Napa Gamay, was planted in 1945. The vines are head-trained and dry-farmed organically on red clay soils strewn with fist-sized rocks. An extreme diurnal shift necessitates longer hang times (and a steady temperament). The vineyard is overseen by the capable Athan Poulos.
WINE PROFILE
AROMA
bluberry skin, violet liqueur, tobacco leaves
FLAVOR
mulberry jam, quince paste, Mission fig
FOOD PAIRINGS
wood fired steaks, lamb shanks, olive tapenade