Winemaker Notes
Their goal with Field Blend was to produce a Biodynamic example of terroir at it's finest expression, where location, varietal character, and vintage culminate in authentic representation of our vineyards. Field Blend succintly expresses the Biodynamic intercropping and low-impact vinting methods emplyed to create this wine. Following the Biodynamic winemaking tenants of farming with nature, without pesticides, zero-manipulation in the cellar, and only native yeast used for fermentation, the results are pure, pared-down flavors with no interference between you and the grapes.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The aromas are vibrant, juicy blackberry, mulberry, citrus peel, and maple cascade across the nose, leaving scents of violet in its wake. The flavors on the palate are black plum, boysenberry coulis, habanero spice, and lingering juicy grippy tannins to finish. This wine is another example of the goodness of Demeter-grown grapes from a biodynamic industry leader. pair with grilled bison.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.