Coturri 2004 Albarello

Vineyard Notes:
Albarello: Italian for low pruned or head pruned vines. The grapes for this wine are grown at Hoaglund Vineyards in the south eastside of Sonoma Valley on Gehricke Road before Ravenswood and across from Sebastiani Winery. The vineyard was planted in the 1930's and is dry farmed. It is primarily Zinfandel (40%) and Petite Sirah (40%) with small amounts of Carignane, Barbera, Alicante-Bouschet and Early Burgundy, and a tiny (less than one-half percent) of white grapes - three varieties - Sauvignon Vert, Semillon and Muscat Canelli which gives the nose its floral quality.

The different red and white varietals were planted at random so the vineyard is picked as a whole and fermented together. Back in the 1930's when these vines were planted, the grape grower and wine maker agreed upon a selection of grape varietals that would produce a consistently full bodied red table wine. The result is a field blend that is unlike any other wine we produce.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
The 2004 Albarello has a deep garnet color and honeyed citrus nose, a sweet, fruity middle from the Zinfandel and a pepper spice and strong acid backbone from the Petit Sirah. The acid structure has an appealing tartness reminiscent of cranberries.

Winemaker Pairing Notes:
Strong but light foods are recommended such as a Black Angus brisket with spinach polenta, mustard greens, plantain and Yucca tamal with mole negro, risotto of Satur Farms heirloom vegetables, or with pan seared diver sea scallops with blood orange and endive.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Sonoma Valley
Picked:	September 29, 2004
Brix:	24.4
Varietal Content:	Zinfandel (40%) and Petite Sirah (40%) with small amounts of Carignane, Barbera, Alicante-Bouschet and Early Burgundy, and a tiny (less than one-half percent) of white grapes - three varieties - Sauvignon Vert, Semillon and Muscat Canelli
Alcohol:	15.5%
Production:	733 cases