Monte Rio Mission ’Somers' Lodi 2024 (750 ml)

Appellation: Lodi
Varietals: 70 year old Mission
Vineyard: Somers
Winemaking: 100% whole cluster, foot crushed, maceration for 10 days in concrete. Pumpovers daily. Pressed into a combination of concrete and stainless steel tanks for 7 days. Natural yeast fermentation.
Farming: Organic
Aging: Bottled after 6 months in old wood barrels.
ABV: 12%
Production: 200 cases bottled

The sixth vintage of this extraordinary wine continues the tradition of whole cluster fermentation in concrete and aging in neutral wood. Stylistically, it falls somewhere between Trousseau and Pelaverga. Mission is a truly Californian grape varietal that has been planted in the state longer than any other. The Somers vineyard, established in the early 1970s, has been organic and dry-farmed since its inception. The wine boasts a captivating nose of candied orange rind and Campari, complemented by fine tannins well-balanced with bright, juicy acidity. With only 240 cases produced, this exceptional wine is a testament to the region’s exceptional terroir.

About Monte Rio Cellars
Patrick Cappiello got his start in restaurants, his wine career began in 2002 as a Sommelier at Tribeca Grill. As time progressed his roles changed to Wine Director and restaurant owner over the next 15 years. Through connections with countless winemakers and after meeting his current business partner Pax Mahle, the transition to Winemaker was a natural progression for Cappiello. He still serves as Wine Director of Walnut Street Café in Philadelphia. He is Food & Wine host for Playboy and founding member of Winemakers & Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief.

His 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and Sommelier career has given him access to four of the worlds greatest wine cellars. All have been recipients of Wine Spectators "Grand Award"; TriBeCa Grill, Veritas, GILT, and Pearl & Ash. Mr. Cappiello was named "Sommelier of the Year 2014" by Food & Wine Magazine, "Wine Person of the Year 2014" by Imbibe Magazine, and "Sommelier of the Year 2015" by Eater National.

His winemaking career started in 2018, under the watchful eye of Pax Mahle. Monte Rio focuses on heritage and classic California varieties. Wines are made naturally with no additives and farmed with organic practices.

Mr. Cappiello and Mr. Mahle collaborate on two wineries; Skull Wines and the Piquette Project.

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