2022 “Pezsgő” Sparkling Petite Sirah

The fruit was loaded into our press, whole cluster, and squeezed gently to minimize tannin and color pick-up in the juice—things that are usually the calling card of Petite Sirah. The juice was allowed to slowly warm in our cellar until spontaneous fermentation began. No sulfur, no additives. The wine was closely monitored until we hit just the right Brix level. Too little and there’s no bubbles. Too much and you have to wear safety glasses to open a bottle. When that magic moment occurs, its time to bottle. No fining or filtering, this wine is as it came from the vineyard, with minimal intervention. Just as nature intended. This is the “Ancestral Method” of making sparkling wine, aka Pétillant Naturel. Everything about this wine is joyful: giddy bubbles, effusive berry-licious aromas, full flavors that evoke memories of popping a watermelon Jolly Rancher in your mouth while walking by a fresh cherry stand. Guaranteed to make you smile.

Casey Graybehl, Winemaker