Rootdown Sangiovese, Jane's Vineyard 2019 (750 ml)

Rootdown is the project of Mike Lucia, who, after many years working with some of the top estates in northern California — Copain, Goldeneye and DeLoach — decided he wanted to make the kinds of wine he loves to drink: low alcohol, high acidity, featuring some of California's relatively obscure grapes. To that end, Mike sources fruit from organic vineyards in Mendocino, Sonoma and Amador Counties, fermenting his wines with native yeasts, no new oak and minimal amounts of sulfur. The results are refreshing, fun and satiating bottles made from such diverse grapes as Trousseau, Sangiovese, Mourvèdre, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Pinot Blanc. 

Jane's Vineyard is a 2-hectare "project" emphasizing biodiversity, located near the base of Duncan Peak in Hopland. The site sits atop Talmage soils; deep, well-drained soils formed in alluvium from mixed sources. All grapes are destemmed and only whole berries are fermented with native yeasts. Clean, bright, lively cherry, cranberry and strawberry with fresh resinous herbs — think thyme and lavender— on the nose with a lean, super  elegant finish. Enjoy with rosemary grilled lamb.