2018 Harrington Corvina/Pinot Noir Blend Tempesta Vineyard

Region: San Benito County < California

Grapes: Corvina, Pinot Noir

Vineyard/cellar stats: Organic farming; well-drained soils of limestone, granite sand and rocks; 6 months in neutral oak barrels and stainless steel tanks; 13.2% ABV; 147 cases

Winemaker: Bryan Harrington

Bryan is one of the only true urban winemakers in SF, working out of an industrial facility in Bayview to make a boatload of tiny lot (<100 cases) natural wines, all from organic (or better) vineyards, with no temperature control, no manipulations, and  little or no SO2, and no temperature control. Bryan likes to play with esoteric grapes, like this blend of Corvina (a little-known Italian grape known found in Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amarone wines) and high-altitude Pinot Noir. Here the Corvina spices up, and adds a floral aromatic component to, the pretty, minerally Pinot, making for a highly-drinkable medium-bodied, slightly exotic red that warms you up with cinnamon, dark cherry and tart hibiscus.  Serve slightly chilled.