Second Date

Made with 100% Vermentino, this wine is a true reflection of this stellar varietal. Grown in the prestigious Paso Ono Vineyard of Paso Robles, California, the vines thrive in sandy, well-draining soil resulting in small berries and more concentrated flavors. Harvested in early October, the fruit was hand-picked at balanced ripeness and acidity, in the early morning to retain optimal flavors. Whole clusters of fruit were gently pressed before being introduced to a 500L terra cotta amphora. This beautiful Italian vessel offers a unique curved shape which allows for natural convection or stirring of the wine as it continues through the vinification process with native yeast and then naturally ages over six months. Both the fermentation process as well as the aging of this wine occurred in the Amphora vessel, remaining on its lees for nearly five months until the wine was bottled in late March. The clay is porous enough to encourage the wine’s natural evolution during this time as it develops heightened aromas, flavors and textures. 

The process of making this wine was as natural and minimalist as possible, using the porous clay of the amphora to stabilize the temperature while concurrently introducing small amounts of oxygen to further enhance the wine’s complexity and showcase the truest qualities of the fruit. A rare grape found in Cal­i­for­nia vine­yards, Ver­menti­no is most com­mon­ly grown in France and Italy, and we’re pleased to pro­duce this vari­ety right here in Paso Rob­les. The ter­roir of the Paso Ono Vine­yard cou­pled with the vini­fi­ca­tion and aging in clay ampho­ra results in enhanced min­er­al­i­ty and salin­i­ty in the wine.