2021 Baron Von VermVermentino

Over half of all Vermentino grapes worldwide are grown in Italy; we may only have a little parcel of them at Rorick Heritage Vineyard but we think there should be quite a bit more of it in California. As a grape variety it prefers quite warm weather, will produce very fine wines on less fertile soil, and has a real affinity for high elevation. Matthew has long been a fan of Italian Vermentino – in particular bottles from Corsica – so, when he purchased Rorick Heritage Vineyard he knew he wanted to work with this variety, and he took these key attributes into consideration when deciding where to put the Vermentino in the ground.

There is a section of the vineyard at RHV where the slope is so steep that the soil has struggled to accumulate atop the schist across hundreds of years. It is also south east facing, and at 2000ft elevation. This was a combination of factors he thought perfect for Vermentino. He nailed it. Our Vermentino captures all of the classic flavors of the grape that makes it so enjoyable.

In 2021 our vines had a very small crop, possibly due to wind during flowering season which has an effect on berry set within a grape bunch. We are beyond happy that we still managed to harvest enough Verentino to produce 2 barrels. The following year we suffered a devastating frost and had no Vermentino crop at all.

We hope you enjoy this wine as much as we love to have it with richer dishes. Try it with; Tikka Masala, melons wrapped in Proscuitto, halibut, pork sausages, a cheese platter.

Despite its light body, there is a rich oiliness on the palate that balances its natural lively brightness. Lemony and herbaceous with a tangy olive brininess. Extended barrel and bottle age has allowed the wine to develop a delicate almond note. The complexity of this wine makes it an instant favourite and more fun than a barrel full of monkeys.