Winemaker Notes
"Gas, Food, & Lodging" is the Folk Machine's 10th vintage of Vesino Vineyard Potter Valley Pinot Noir. "I don’t believe in hands-off winemaking because I believe that growing grapes and making wine by nature is pretty hands-on, but when I see and taste good grapes, I feel a responsibility if not an obligation to stay out of the way. That is the case here." Kenny Likitprakong, Winemaker
The 2017 Potter Valley Pinot Noir is 50% Pommard and 50% 115 from the certified organic and biodynamic Vecino Vineyard in Potter Valley.Fermentation was carried out with native yeast, 70% whole cluster, 10% new French Oak and the Malolactic Fermentation proceeded spontaneously.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Located in northern Mendocino County, the Potter Valley appellation is centered on the town of Potter Valley directly east of Redwood Valley.