2023 Girasole Pinot Noir
Organically farmed pinot noir grapes from our home ranch, Redwood Valley Vineyards, were hand-harvested in mid September of 2023. The bunches were carefully destemmed into a stainless steel tank for fermentation. The mixture of skins, seeds and juice were cold soaked for 24-48 hours to begin flavor extraction. After a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) approved yeast was added, the must was mixed two times per day to continue extracting color and tannin. These pump-overs are critical to enhancing the aroma and flavor from the pinot noir grape. Once fermentation is complete, the must was delicately pressed and aged on French oak for 8 months.
This medium garnet-colored wine presents enticing aromas of dried cranberry, sweet rhubarb, and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, flavors of delicate caramel, bright red cherries, and a touch of licorice meld seamlessly with soft tannins and a smooth texture, achieving a harmonious balance of fruit and oak.
91 points + Best Buy / Wine Enthusiast
Did you know that Girasole (pronounced jeer-a-so-lay) translates to sunflower in Italian? In Italian the verb “girare” means “to turn/rotate” and “sole” translates to “sun”.