Tempranillo, Orixe Solento 'Tinta Alta'

98% Tempranillo | 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a love letter to Tempranillo and a nod to the versatility of the variety as it can be grown throughout Alta California. The fruit is sourced from Stagecoach Vineyard in Napa, Shake Ridge Ranch in Amador, Caelesta and Catapult Vineyards in Paso Robles, and Pierce Ranch Vineyards in Monterey Counties [5% of their solera Tempranillo lots were blended in, to feather in more age into the wine.]

Tinta Alta is 100% destemmed and fermented with native yeast in stainless steel open top tanks. A simple approach is taken during the vinification process making two to three movements a day to keep the cap wet and fermentation temperature even. After 18-21 days on skins the wine is pressed off, settled for 48 hours and finally racked into barrels for its 22-month elevage. Their cooperage program is 20% new french oak mostly consisting of Cadus, Orion, and Taransaud barrels.