Monthly Spotlight
Each month we spotlight one of our small-production, single-vineyard wines with a deep dive into the vineyard location, property history, wine style and pairing preferences. This month’s spotlight is…
2016 Demostene Ranch
First-ever bottling
10% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 15% off 12+. Members receive 15% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 20% off 12+.
TASTING NOTE
Fresh brambly fruit and baking spices on the nose. Medium bodied, lush black cherry and raspberry palate with soft tannins and a hint of anise. Well balanced and vibrant on the finish. MB (1/19)
WINEMAKER VIDEO
LOCATION
Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County
HISTORY
Born in Italy, Manuel Demostene moved to Healdsburg in 1902, where he found work on Santo Botti’s ranch. Santo died the next year and in 1906 Manuel married his widow, Julia, taking possession of the ranch. Around the same time, Abele Ferrari arrived from Italy and purchased what is now known as the Healdsburg Machine Shop. In 1925, he purchased the run down Soda Rock Winery, refurbishing it after prohibition. Abele’s daughter, Rose, married Manuel’s son, Leo in 1936 and they later helped run Soda Rock winery while raising four children on the property. The couple bought the 113 acre Sausal Ranch in 1956 and continued to buy more nearby land for their two sons, Ed and David. This wine comes from vines planted over one hundred years ago on Ed’s original twenty-five acres. Ed, who passed away in 2015, taught his daughter, Leisa, everything he knew about growing grapes. Leisa continues the family legacy today, giving special attention to that block of old vine zinfandel and carignane from her father’s original plot of land.
PAIRINGS
Food
Demostene’s medium body, bright acidity, and soft tannins make it one of our most versatile food pairing wines and a great red wine for summertime. Take advantage of the bounty of spring and summer vegetables and pair it with winemaker John Olney’s recipe for Ratatouille, a classic French vegetable stew.
Occasion
Weeknight dinner or summer Sunday lunch