Martinelli 'Bella Vigna' Pinot Noir 2018, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County California

“Our Bella Vigna label is curated from all of our estate vineyards in the Sonoma Coast appellation. We wanted to create an appellation blend that reflects the characteristics of our Sonoma Coast vineyards and is still true to our Martinelli style. Bella Vigna translates to “Beautiful Vines”, so our winemaking team chose barrels that best denote the flavor profiles of our vineyards, showcasing how beautiful the fruit from the Sonoma Coast can be.” Each vineyard block goes through meticulous sample testing and is picked at optimum brix levels to ensure mature, ripe fruit flavors. After being picked, the fruit undergoes a five-day cold soak to maximize the early extraction of flavor and color. This is followed by a wild yeast fermentation that promotes greater character and depth when the wine matures. Sugar and malolactic fermentations are completed in barrel, and the wine is sur lie aged in 70% new French oak for 10 months. The wine is neither heat nor cold stabilized, is un-fined and un-filtered, and is clarified only by racking before bottling. “2018 vintage – The result is a dark burgundy/garnet-colored wine with aromas of almonds, cherries, spice and forest floor. This is not “old school” Pinot, as the rich flavors of black cherries and blueberries follow suit and lead to a long finish with supple tannins, gorgeous purity and a seamless texture.”