Broc Cellars "Fox Hill" Nero d'Avola, Mendocino County, California 2023

FROM BROC CELLARS:

THE WINE: This vintage already shows signs of sophistication with deep dark fruits, hints of cocoa and fine tannins. This grape - and wine - is foundational to Broc’s history. We’ve made it since 2013, when it intrigued us with what amazing fruit Fox Hill Vineyard in Mendocino can produce. Nero d’Avola vines are rare sights in California. We are lucky to have Fox Hill Vineyard, where Nero is thriving among the rocky redvine soil. The native Sicilian grape grows well in California soils and especially at Fox Hill where the days quickly grow hot on the exposed rocky hillsides. This vintage was fermented in stainless steel tank, pressed and aged in a combination of neutral French oak barrique and a small amount in a beeswax-lined cigar for 10 months. The beeswax-lined cigar softens the tannins to accentuate a silky palate and amplify the luscious fruit flavors. We recommend aging 10-15 years.

THE PRODUCER: We make natural wine the way we believe delivers the best wines for us and the earth. We use only organically-farmed grapes. We use cover crops to boost soil health, water retention and biodiversity. Sheep help us manage crop cover and fertilize the soil. We harvest early for more healthy grapes that retain their good acidity. This often results in lower alcohol wines. The lower Brix (sugar content) at harvest allows for easier fermentations. We use native yeasts and bacteria that exist on the grapes and never add sulphur during fermentation. We occasionally add a small amount of sulphur at bottling depending on the wine, style and year.