Pija, Spanish for “rascal,” is indeed a most feisty field blend of grape varietals well suited to inland Mendocino County’s terroir. We’ve taken the historical practice of Italian field blending – planting several varietals in one lot, harvesting the grapes together, and making wine – and adapted the method to create our own well-balanced, modern day blend.
Unlike traditional field blending, we source grapes from different vineyards, particularly those characteristic of inland Mendocino’s wine-growing history. Mattern Ranch, located on the Talmage Bench east of the Russian River, provides dry-farmed old vine Zinfandel and a younger planting of Petite
Sirah.
We source our Charbono from Venturi Vineyards’ ninety-year old, late-to-ripen vines. We ferment the lots separately and blend after
fermentation to produce the winemaker-inspired Pija Blend.
This sophisticated peasant wine – and its source vineyards - will change from year to year, but the zesty, innovative spirit will remain the same. Plum, spice, and a soft chocolate finish emphasize the 2006 vintage’s wild berry and black cherry.
We age our Pija blend in older French oak. Some potions age in stainless steel to emphasize fruit and flavor purity.
Other wines in the category All Products:
2008 Two Vineyards Chardonnay -- 2008 Ukiah Cellars Chardonnay
2007 Ukiah Cabernet Sauvignon -- 2007 Ukiah Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Ponderosa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon -- 2005 Ponderosa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Ponderosa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon -- 2006 Ponderosa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Redvine Series -- 2004 Redvine Series
2005 Redvine Series -- 2005 Redvine Series
2005 Fairbairn Ranch Syrah -- 2005 Fairbairn Ranch Syrah
2007 Darkhorse Ranch Grenache -- 2007 Darkhorse Ranch Grenache
2006 Mariah Syrah -- 2006 Mariah Syrah
2006 Venturi Charbono -- 2006 Venturi Charbono
2007 Piper Ranch Chardonnay -- 2007 Piper Ranch Chardonnay
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