Barbera 2020, Tollini Vineyard
In Stock
The woods-roaming, rabble-rousing, debaucherous faunus; the spirit animal of this 100% Barbera pays tribute to our shared Italian heritage. This vineyard in the forested hills of Mendocino shows the best of Barbera. A more recent addition to the Tollini Vineyard lineup, first harvested in 2009. It is farmed sustainably with a commitment to the land. Lively and upfront, with all the attitude befitting a wild woodland creature.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Barbera
Appellation
Redwood Valley
Acid
7.7 g/L
pH
3.28
Aging
22 months in 100% neutral oak barrels
Bottling Date
6/15/2022
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
A deep, rich berry essence fills the nose while traces of
fine herbs, toasty oak and fresh ground black pepper
add dimension to the tempting aromas. The round
entry quickly reveals an array of red fruit—bright
cherry, pomegranate and a hint of huckleberry. Dark,
ripe Bing cherry flavors appear on the edges of the
palate, integrating into the lengthy finish. With a
slightly chewy texture, this Barbera walks the line
between robust and accessible with lovely forward fruit.
Vineyard Notes
Long time Peterson wine devotees might fondly recall
the original Peterson Barbera that we produced from
1994 through 1998. The grapes came from a small
block of Barbera that I planted in 1989 on the “bench”
overlooking our red barn winery on the Norton Ranch.
Though we never produced much of this Barbera, it was
a wine we loved to grow and make (as well as drink), and
it developed a fervent following among our customers.
Over the last 20-plus years working with Alvin Tollini,
I’ve come to respect his abilities as a grower and the
suitability of his properties for producing intense, yet
balanced red wines. When Alvin mentioned to me that
he had a field on “Granddad’s Ranch” that he was ready
to plant, I immediately thought of Barbera. I believed the
site’s gravelly, well-drained red clay soil could produce a
worthy successor to the Norton Ranch Barbera.
Production Notes
The 2020 is our eleventh vintage from this block. As a
100% varietal from Tollini Vineyard, it truly showcases
what the grape is capable of when grown in the right
location. This wine hits the high notes, with power and
depth behind it, and a purity and clarity one would
expect from this ancient varietal.
Salute!
Food Pairing Notes
The perfect wine to grab to serve with red wine-braised
pork stew, or linguine ala puttanesca.