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2018 'Ab Ovo'

2018 'Ab Ovo'

Region: El Dorado + Sierra Foothills < California

Grapes: 70% Mourvedre, 30% Marsanne

Vineyard/cellar stats: Organic/biodynamic farming; volcanic loam and decomposed granite soils; partial carbonic, whole cluster co-fermentation in Georgia qvevri; elevage continues in the qvevri for six months before bottling, unfined/unfiltered and with zero additions; zero-zero; 12.3% ABV

Winemaker: Caleb Leisure

Caleb Leisure is a one man show determined to turn back the clock in the California winemaking scene. Way Back! Caleb's winemaking is guided by ancient Georgian traditions. Caleb utilizes qveri, huge handmade, clay based wine making vessels that, unlike their cousin amphora, must be buried in the earth.  Only organic and biodynamic fruit is used in Caleb's wines, and nothing is added or subtracted in the winemaking process.  According to Caleb, his winemaking is a reaction to the California wine industry that is obsessed with modern techniques and control, an industry that is willing to blast wines with chemicals and arcane machines.  

Caleb started his journey in 2014 in France, with a focus in academia and cheese production.  He ended up snagging a few formative internships in Jura and Lanquedoc, and eventually returned to his native California.  Leading up to the 2017 harvest, he buried ten authentic Georgian qvervi in the earthen cellar at Coturri Winey.  He is the only winemaker in California that is working exclusively with the clay vessels -- for reals, you will not find one wood barrel in his cellar!  Caleb is attempting to create complete transparency with his wines that are  honest expressions of un-manipulated California fruit and terroir.  

Like this super fun wine, 'Ab Ovo', a whole cluster, partially carbonic co-ferment of red and white grapes.  Tart and tangy, with high-toned, wild red fruit and flowers, spice, soft tannins, bright acidity and an earthy, mineral driven finish, this is a super natty Cali take on a Southern Rhone classic.
DRINKING NOTE: Best with a 20-minute chill, and consumed the day it is opened. As with many zero-zero wines, it veers slightly toward the funk zone on day 2.
$29.00
$29.00
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