Martha Stoumen 2018 Petite Sirah, Benson Ranch, Mendocino County

Item Number: 13485

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Mendocino
Appellation/AVA: Mendocino County
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vineyard Designation: Benson Ranch
Vintage: 2018
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 12.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Case Production: 142

Vineyard Notes: The Petite Sirah is sourced from Benson Ranch Vineyard in Ukiah. The 14-year-old vines are dry farmed according to organic principles without the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fungicides.

Tasting Notes: This wine has more tannic structure than a usual Martha Stoumen wine. It is a great wine to enjoy now with a special meal or to keep in your library for years to come. Blueberry, Ethiopian coffee, raspberry dark chocolate, winter berries, and clove all come together for a beautiful aroma. Mole and blueberry flavors introduce the wine to the palate followed by a velvety texture, bright acidity, and firm tannins.

Winemaking Notes: In the cellar, Martha reins the concentration of Petite Sirah by doing a partial carbonic fermentation assisted by very short pumpovers. The juice is pressed off the skins around half way into fermentation. The wine is then ages in neutral oak on its lees for one year prior to bottling. Benson Ranch is a site that gives plenty of acidity, and this, combined with the grape’s natural tannin, allows for a minute addition of sulfites only prior to bottling. Total SO2 is 11mg/L.

About Petite Sirah: Petite Sirah is a grape with wild flavors. Originally bred in France in 1880 where it is referred to as Durif, Petite Sirah is a cross between Syrah and the rare Peloursin grape. It was imported into the US in the mid 1880’s, so has been a part of the CA viticulture history almost as long as it has existed in France. Most of the world’s relatively small amount of Petite Sirah is now grown in CA, and many here have taken up its banner. It has intense fruit characteristics and tannin, and some of the highest levels of anthocyanins of any grape (an antioxidant that corresponds to color), so be prepared for a beautiful depth of purple. We suggest breaking out a decanter you if you decide to enjoy it young.