Keep Lost Slough Vineyard Albarino 2017
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Winemaker Notes
Keep Wines is a collaboration between husband and wife team Johanna Jensen (Scholium Project & Broc Cellar Alum) and Jack Roberts (former Matthiasson Wines Assistant Winemaker). Based out of Napa California, the pair makes interesting varietals from small vineyards all over Northern California. Jack is currently farming organically a few vineyards himself and the other grapes they buy are from mostly certified organic vineyards. The focus of their winemaking style can be described as minimal intervention wines. No yeast or additives are used (with the exception of sulfur in small quantities) and the wines are almost never fined or filtered. With roots in France they have recently planted a vineyard in Gascony and have purchased another vineyard site to expand in the coming years. Their future plan is to make wine in both California and in France.
If you are wondering where the name ‘Keep’ came from, look at the crest on the label. It is a depiction of Beverston Castle, an 11th century Norman stronghold in Gloucestershire, England where Jack’s father was born and raised. All that remains of Beverston today is what you see, the moat and the tall ‘keep’, (from the middle English’ kype’, or barrel) which was the defenders’ last resort in a siege. It was also where they stored their most precious possessions, especially their wine.
Bright and aromatic with distinctive floral and fruity characteristics, Albariño has enjoyed a surge in popularity and an increase in plantings over the last couple of decades. Thick skins allow it to withstand the humid conditions of its homeland, Rías Baixas, Spain, free of malady, and produce a weighty but fresh white. Somm Secret—Albariño claims dual citizenship in Spain and Portugal. Under the name Alvarinho, it thrives in Portugal’s northwestern Vinho Verde region, which predictably, borders part of Spain’s Rías Baixas.
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.