Stolpman Vineyards Grenache - Gamay - Trousseau (G.G.T.) 2021

Viticulture

100% Estate: Grenache predominantly from Block 3 Massa I selection, Trousseau from Block 3, Ga may from Block 10

The cold spring and moderate summer weather of 2021 set up a late harvest after slow sugar accumulation and great acid retention. Especially for the Trousseau and Grenache, harvest came a month later than normal for these typically early, low-sugar picks.

Vinification

100% Whole-Cluster Carbonic Fermentation for Ga may and Grenache. Trousseau is de-stemmed foot trod, and pumped over. No sulfur added through primary fermentation

Grenache Gamay: 9 day native carbonic fermentation in Stainless Steel, pressed to tank to finish fermentation. Trousseau 12 day crushed native fermentation in open top concrete

Neutral French 500L Ermitage Oak Puncheon for 4 months

Tasting notes

Cherry Cherry Cherry - spanning from hard candy to bright Rainier - into bright, banging Pomegranate. Savory Trousseau tea leaves back the pure red fruit and Ga may lends depth and crunch. A citrus spray layer of energy rides above the fruit profile and bonds the three varietals under its high-toned webbing. Youthful tart­ness and a tannin back-board structure the wine to create something more serious than just a delicious day-time masher.

Winery Description

Leading Syrah Producer of Ballard Canyon AVA

Over 20 years ago, Thomas Stolpman, discovered what many might describe as one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is ideally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. Stolpman is committed to preserving this natural environment for thier vines through natural farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation.

Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, they believe that they can create natural, vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California. Their 220-acre property, of which 153 acres are currently planted to grapes, lies on three major limestone ridgelines in Santa Barbara County. By implementing revolutionary viticultural techniques, they push the dry-farmed limestone vines to unprecedented levels of quality.