Wine
Cousins Merlot
Viti/ViniOwn rooted and dry farm with organic and biodynamic practices in this high altitude (1200 feet) vineyard surrounded by Red Wood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The very low yields are hand-picked and trucked by Diana herself. De-Stemmed, native yeast fermentation, which implies a pre-fermentation soak. Fermented in a small open-top tank for about 14 days, pressed at dryness, then racked to barrel. Malo in once-used Taransaud barrels (from Snowden) and bottled early to preserve the sparkle. Minimal SO2 adds at crush and post-malo only.
Producer
The Snowden family has been stewards of 160 acres in the Vaca mountains of Napa Valley since 1955. With this next generation the Snowden Cousins, Diana, Christian, Susanne and Carey, they are pushing the envelope on eco-conscious packaging: lightweight glass, no metal capsule, a cork closure, recycled paper, eco-friendly ink and a washable label so that the glass bottle can be more easily cleaned and refilled.
Winemaker: Diana Snowden Seysses
Country: USA
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains
Type: Red
Variety: Merlot
Farming: Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable
Age of Vines: Planted 1988
Production: Around 2400 bottles
Soil: Lompico Clay Loam
Vegan