Name: Fort Ross Vineyard - Pinotage
SKU: 2880897
Availability: OutOfStock

Fort Ross Vineyard – Pinotage

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USA - CA

Sonoma County

Wine

Red

The Facts

UPCs 2019 (750ml) - 8 98395 00107 4

Origins USA - CA > Sonoma County > Sonoma Coast

Appellation Fort Ross-Seaview

Varietal Pinotage

Cepage 100% Pinotage

Winemaking The grapes for this Pinotage were handpicked during the cool hours of the night in small two-gallon picking trays. After hand sorting, the fruit was cold soaked for several days and fermented in a single 5 ton tank. During fermentation, the wine was pumped over and sparingly punched down, to carefully control the amount of extraction from the thicker skins in order to produce a well-balanced, age-worthy Pinotage. Shortly after pressing, the wine was barreled in a combination of 20% new and 80% neutral French oak for 12 months.

Aging 12 months in French oak barrels; 20% new

Annual Production 250-350 cases

Markets California

The Character

Overall Bold, robust fruit layered with earthy complexity

Aromas Ripe red fruits, black cherry, baking spice, and fresh coffee.

Mouthfeel Youthful tannin and bright acidity from cool coastal climate

Tasting Notes O ering marked elegance and restraint in both aroma and flavor, this wine begins with an intriguing harmony of baked red fruits, black cherry, baking spice, and fresh co ee grounds. Rustic flavors of black tea and fresh earth add complexity to a fruit driven core of luscious, macerated blackberry and cassis. As a testament to its bright future, this Pinotage is loaded with youthful tannin and bright acidity from the cool, maritime climate of our estate vineyard. One year of aging in 20% new French oak barrels provides an added layer of texture to the long, persistent finish. The robust flavors pair beautifully with spices, rich Italian food, smoked and grilled meats, anything from a wood fired oven and for the adventurous - berry desserts. Prior to release, it was patiently cellared until optimal and will certainly age gracefully for years to come.

Selling Point Only Pinotage grown in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA.

Pairings Spices, rich Italian food, smoked & grilled meats, anything wood fired and berry desserts!

Awards 91pts JAMES SUCKLING

Sustainability Certified Sustainable, Vegan, Sustainable In Practice, Minimal Intervention / Augmentation, Natural Fermentation

The Story

Owners, Lester and Linda remembered the Pinotage from their early years in South Africa. The variety was first developed in South Africa in 1925 by crossing the two vinifera varieties, Pinot Noir and Cinsault which was called Hermitage at the time. Our Pinotage consists of two Fort Ross proprietary clones, MM1 and MM3, developed at UC Davis from budwood personally imported by Fort Ross from one of the most select Pinotage vineyards in South Africa. Fort Ross Vineyard now has 1.5 acres planted to Pinotage.

About Fort Ross Vineyard

Producer Story

Fort Ross Vineyard overlooks the extreme Sonoma Coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Our limited production focuses on cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, grown on this estate mountain vineyard. With spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean that lies less than one mile away, the 52-acre vineyard is meticulously divided into 32 blocks, spanning elevations from 1200 to 1700 feet above sea level. Owners, Lester and Linda Schwartz commenced vineyard preparations in 1994, leading to the release of their inaugural vintage in 2000. Our talented Winemaker Jeff Pisoni joined the team in 2009.

Producer Story

Fort Ross Vineyard overlooks the extreme Sonoma Coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Our limited production focuses on cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, grown on this estate mountain vineyard. With spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean that lies less than one mile away, the 52-acre vineyard is meticulously divided into 32 blocks, spanning elevations from 1200 to 1700 feet above sea level. Owners, Lester and Linda Schwartz commenced vineyard preparations in 1994, leading to the release of their inaugural vintage in 2000. Our talented Winemaker Jeff Pisoni joined the team in 2009.