2022 Bestiary Ramato

95% Pinot Grigio
5% Sauvignon Blanc
  + Malvasia Bianco
  + tocai friuLaNo

Philosophy
While Ramato wines have become popular in recent years, they actually represent ancient Georgian winemaking techniques that persisted until considered rustic against advancing technology. The term “orange wine” can be misleading, and many variations wax philosophical but lack joy. Not trying to make an art film that you have to talk yourself into liking, Winemaker Sean O’Keefe aimed to preserve and balance the joy of fruit with pleasing astringency.

Flavor Notes
Our fifth vintage of Bestiary Ramato, this wine captures your attention with entirely unique flavor and phenolic complexity. Made from a cooler vintage, the 2022 is lighter in alcohol and more delicate than previous years. Similar to the sensation of sipping earl grey tea, delicate tannins and pithy citrus notes are leveled by fuller barrel tones of honeyed pecans and baking spice.

Vinification
A very cool fall led to an early harvest on October 10th, 2022 from our Bella Vista vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula. The grapes were destemmed and left whole berry, then transferred into red wine fermenters with pumpovers occurring daily for 24 days. The grapes were pressed November 3rd and transferred to Doppelstücks and neutral demi muids, undergoing malolactic fermentation and aging for nine months. On June 27th, 2023 a small portion of Ambra was blended with the Pinot Grigio. It was bottled shortly after on July 18th.

Pairing
Able to dance with intense flavors, we recommend trying the Ramato with a bitter green salad, brussel sprouts, aromatic curry, kimchi on Korean beef tacos, or char-grilled oysters.

Cellaring
While quite drinkable now, Ramato’s tannins will help it age similarly to a red wine, developing spicy secondary aromas. Enjoy now through 2029.