2021 Idlewild The Bird Flora & Fauna Red Wine

Producer: Idlewild Wines 
Region: Mendocino County, California 
Blend: 48% Dolcetto, 48% Barbera, and 4% Nebbiolo 
Year: 2021 

Vineyard: The majority of the fruit comes from Fox Hill Vineyard, located southeast of Ukiah on Mendocino’s Talmage Bench where the soil is well drained with high concentrations of gravel and sandstone. 

Winemaking: 

"All three of these varieties have structure and at the same time a joyous side. The focus in fermentation was to build enough structure for a very versatile food wine but also to emphasize the exuberant and delicious elements of each grape. 

To do this, the wines were left largely whole cluster and all fermentations started with carbonic maceration. That being said, none of them were pushed to be fully carbonic wines. Instead, the initial lift in aromatics and push on frothy fresh fruits was achieved, and then Sam fully treaded the wines to allow fermentation to switch to a more standard flow. 

This gave a backbone and savory qualities to act as bass notes to the carbonic high tones. All of the wines were pressed a touch early to ensure that that tannic structure was appropriate for a shorter time in barrel." 

Aging: Aged in neutral French oak for 4 months. 

Additional Notes: 

"In Italy, the house wine is often light, fresh, aromatic, and firmly structured so as to pair beautifully next a wide range of foods. That is the inspiration for The Bird. Black cherries, anise, fresh strawberries, freshly turned soil, and spicy floral tones highlight the aromatic profile. The mouthfeel is fresh and bright, leans towards a touch of mouth filling richness, and then quickly moves to a clean and firm food driven finish." 

Organically grown. 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ than pictured.