Preston of Dry Creek 2022 Barbera Dry Creek Valley

"After some early-season frost, 2022 was coasting along smoothly until around Labor Day, when we experienced record-setting heat. Heat waves are a challenge to endure for most grape varieties, but especially the fickle Barbera: will its berries keep their integrity, protected by good sap transport through the vine? Or will the plants give up the ghost, resulting in raisining? Weve seen both, but fortunately the heat event came early enough in the year that we had a successful harvest of sound, healthy, and intense fruit.
Half of the grapes were crushed under foot in tank as whole bunches, and the other half de-stemmed and pumped to the same tank. After a 2 week fermentation the wine was pressed off and aged in neutral oak vessels of various sizes, though weve been increasing the percentage of larger puncheons, which preserve freshness and aromatic purity.
Compared to the benchmark 2021 vintage, this years Barbera is brighter, a little more red-fruited, and certainly more playful where its predecessor was a little stately. It shows raspberry, cherry cola, and red licorice aromatics on the nose, followed by a tangy palate with loads of red fruit, spiced orange, and a thread of pine sap. Gentle tannins and plenty of acidity make this a match for your next pizza party, hopefully here with us at the Farm. -GH

Grapes are certified organic (CCOF). Fermentation is initiated spontaneously without the addition of commercial yeast or malolactic bacteria."