2021 Casadei Red Blend

85% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre

Aged 14 months: 80% Neutral French, 20% new French oak

 

The estate and winery were established in 2000. Stefano Casadei came to Alta Maremma, Tuscany, Italy, on a quest for the soil and climate ideal to make his dream come true: growing international grape varieties respecting the environment, to create unique, extraordinary, authentic wines. Amongst the slopes that lead up the Metalliferous Hills, he finds a mild climate, alluvial soils and mineral-rich terrains perfect for his dream grapes.

 

Tenuta Casadei's cellar was built with three sides below ground level to ensure natural temperature control and has a wondrous roof that allows sunlight to spread over and through the barrels at midday. Here, the wines ferment and mature surrounded by peace and silence. Here, the grapes rest in splendid terracotta amphorae, safe from external influences and environmental conditions.

 

After harvest the grapes are placed in boxes in cold storage at 50° for 24 hours and then destemmed and crushed with slight breaking of the berry. Fermentation with wild, native yeasts occurs in cement tanks and, partially in terracotta amphorae. Maceration lasts 18 days. After racking, malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barriques. All these techniques bring out the color, flavor, tannins and scope of each grape in the gentlest way while extracting as much as possible from the grapes, hence a full-bodied wine with lots of tense mouthfeel.

 

Tasting notes: a powerful, elegant, agile wine. Intense aromas of blackberry and currant fruit, accompanied by notes of dark chocolate and tobacco.  At first linear and silky on the palate, it presents an equally intense mouthfeel with sweet and soft tannins and a persistent finish with hints of dark berries and sweet spices. The wine is complex, round and powerful while remaining elegant and light on its feet. Pairs well meat roasts, lamb, and stews, seasoned cheeses, and pasta with meat.  Will age for the next 7-10 years

 

 

2023 Sierra Del Mar Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir

 

These Pinot Noir grapes are grown in Clarksburg California which is due East of San Francisco by 90 miles in the Sacramento Delta area. The delta is warm based on its inland location, but due to the coastal proximity, the area receives the cool breezes in the early afternoon from the San Francisco Bay. The cooler the climate results in the higher the natural acidity. The grapes are harvested in the middle of the night while still cold to retain the acidity.  The grapes are gently destemmed into the fermentation tank for a 72-hour cold soak maximizing skin contact, color and flavor.  The wine is fermented in tank for 10-14 days with pump overs 3 times daily extracting as much flavor as possible. After this primary fermentation is complete the tank is drained, and the solids are pressed gently and then combined with the primary lot for added complexity. The wine is transferred into neutral French oak for the remainder of fermentation and then allowed to age in 2-year-old barrels for 9 months, stabilizing color and marring spice and vanilla flavors.

 

Tasting Notes: Medium vibrant garnet color with aromas of juicy cherry, sage and clove spice. The medium bodied palate is fleshy with beautiful sweet and sour cherry notes dotted with toasted vanilla oak. Elegant and balanced. The structure and acidity are complimented by the cool climate of Clarksburg creating a long, beautiful finish. Pairs well with roasted duck breast served with sautéed cherry and mushroom glaze. It will stand up to a filet mignon with Demi glaze and duck confit and cassoulet as well. Will age for the next 3 years.

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