Martinelli Pinot Noir, Zio Tony Ranch "Grace Nicole" 2019, Russian River Valley

The Zio Tony Ranch was originally an apple orchard owned by Lee Martinelli Sr.’s Uncle Tony Bondi. In keeping with the family heritage, a large grove of the old thick-trunked Gravenstein apple trees have been preserved on the property. Surrounding this acreage of ancient fruit bearing trees Lee Martinelli Sr. planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are varietals that glorify in this particular climate’s warm/cool temperatures. Whole berry fermentation. to generate skin contact and expose fruit character, fermented with wild yeast. The juice is transferred into oak barrels with a touch of residual sugar remaining to complete the fermentation process in barrel until dry. It rests in 70% new French oak on its gross lees for 10 months. The grapes, juice, and then wine are minimally handled. The finished wine is un-fined, un-filtered, neither cold nor heat stabilized and contains naturally occurring sediment. Tasting Notes: Weighty with layered flavors of black plum, red apple skins and sweet coffee, with a touch of earthiness that helps keep this pinot grounded and balanced. Aromas include molasses, raspberry and cloves.