Ashanta "Suadade" Co-ferment, Sonoma County, California 2023

FROM ASHANTA:

THE WINE: 55% Merlot, 35% Pinot Gris, 15% Chardonnay. A lithe Co-ferment of Sonoma Valley fruit from multi-generational grape growers who were contemporaries of Chenoa’s grandfather during the 80s. The Merlotwas 50% whole cluster, 50% direct pressed flotasion style. The Chardonnay and Pinot Gris skins, with some juice added from their individual pressings on top of the merlot to create a nice cap for fermentation. Saudade fermented for five weeks in a stainless tank, and was pressed and aged into French neutral Oak for 10 months. Bottle aged for approximately 18 months released spring '26.

THE PRODUCER: Ashanta Wines abides by zero:zero, traditional winemaking practices and makes a full range of bespoke wines. From experimental multi-fruit co-ferments, Pet-Nats, skin contact whites, field blends and elegant California Reds. Our wines are terroir driven expressions of Pachamama and her seasons. Unfined. Unfiltered. Wild yeast fermentations. Zero S02. We source our fruit from family-operated vineyards and work with growers who farm with organic and/or biodynamic practices. We hand pick some of our growers’ vineyards and sometimes, we forage for wild fruit in both the wilderness and urban spaces.