Martha Stoumen 2022 'Benchlands' Red Blend

Origin: Mendocino County, California (USA)

Grape(s): 40% Petite Sirah / 30% Zinfandel / 20% Nero d’Avola / 4% Valdiguié / 4% Colombard / 2% Carignan

Tasting Notes: Stimulating aromas of bitter orange peel tie this buoyant bundle of fruity balloons to the vespa handle as you float/zip/sail/drift into the aperitivo hour of your dreams. Drink chilled when you’re wanting to live out your White Lotus fantasy (at least before it all broke loose). Tie a silk scarf around your hair to keep it from blowing in your face and kickstart the scooter. 

Martha's Notes: "Benchlands 2022 continues our Cal-Italia exploration of Mendocino County’s uplifted benchland soils, where Italian farming families first planted vineyards (reserving the rich valley floors for vegetables). All of the vineyards in this blend are planted on those uplifted benchlands and are dry-farmed (non-irrigated). Through a mix of gentler fermentation techniques and white and red grape co-fermentation, Benchlands is reminiscent of a Cerasuolo—somewhere between a dark rosé and a light red wine, highlighted by floral aromatics and a bright, fruitful core."