2021 Bel Tramonto

40% Merlot, 30% Refosco, 20% Sangiovese, 15% Teroldego

ABV: 12.5%  RS:  0 g/L  pH: 3.7  TA: 7.7g/L  Cases: 622

Vineyards
Small harvests from multiple Estate vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula

Philosophy
There was once a time when the idea of growing Italian varieties on Old Mission Peninsula seemed outlandish. Bel Tramonto translates to beautiful sunset in Italian, representing the marriage of bright red Sangiovese against the darker hued Merlot. The 2021 vintage features a majority percentage of Italian grapes with a focus on subtle barrel and bottle aging.

Flavor Notes
Merlot based aromas of chocolate and cherry are followed by cranberry and vanilla flavors. Silky smooth Italian grape tannins and a distinctive acidity come together with an elegant, delicate finish.

Vinification
On October 26th we harvested Merlot and transferred the juice to red wine fermenters. Teroldego was harvested on October 30th and was transferred to open top bins with punch downs by hand. On October 31st we picked the Refosco and transferred the juice to a red wine fermenter. Lastly, we harvested the Sangiovese on November 2nd from Irish hoop houses and fermented it in open top bins with punch downs by hand. The Teroldego was pressed November 18th into demi muids. We also pressed the Merlot on November 18th and it was transferred to demi muids and a selection of older neutral barriques. Refosco was pressed on November 24th and was transferred to neutral demi muids. The Sangiovese was pressed last, on December 7th, into neutral barriques. All wine went through malolactic fermentation and aged for fourteen months until February 15th 2023 when it was blended and lightly filtered. Bottled occurred on June 9th, 2023.

Pairings
Red sauces are a classic pairing—we suggest pizza with fennel sausage and mushroom or pasta with marinara and wild game. Highlight fruit flavor in the wine with a chicken provençal.

Cellaring
Ready to enjoy now but perfect for aging through 2031.