Mahoney Ranch Vermentino
Napa Valley
WINEMAKER’S RECORDS
Kirk’s love for this racy, mineral-driven grape variety has lead him to the decision to discontinue making a blended wine and put Vermentino front and center with this 100% bottling. Benefitting from the cool temperatures of the vineyard, this wine opens with a nose full of peach, honeydew and mandarin fruit. Following shortly behind is chalky, wet stone minerals and lemon/lime zest. The fresh fruit and minerality carry through to the palate and are presented in a lean and smooth texture. The citrus notes are more prominent here and expand to include crisp granny smith apple. Light and refreshing, the wine finishes with lip-smacking acidity.
The Vineyards
The southern appellation of Los Carneros is perfectly suited to grow Vermentino. Coastal and bay influences provide cool Pacific winds are the perfect counter to the powerful Napa sun. Warm days and cool, cool nights create that perfect climate to allow the grapes to ripen but all the while maintain their balancing acidity. Growing on soft, rolling hills, the vines are planted in shallow clay soils, known for their poor drainage and low nutrients.
In the Cellar
The grapes are picked at night and arrive at the winery in the early morning hours. Once they are weighted in, the grapes are gently pressed and are placed in tank to settle. A slow, cold fermentation in stainless steal tank took place over 45 days, allowing the development of aromatics in the wine. Once primary fermentation completed, a cold settling was once again induced to prohibit secondary (malolactic) fermentation. Our Vermentino is withheld from any oak barrel aging to maintain the delicate fruit and preserve the grape’s natural acidity. Bottled unfiltered.