Keep Wines, Field Blend 2018, Vanderkous Vineyard, Contra Costa, Central Coast, CA

This medium bodied red field blend of mainly Merlot and Sangiovese from Central California has subtle peppery notes and soft fruit.

COUNTRY: United State of America (USA)

STATE: CA

APPELLATION (AVA): Contra Costa County

REGION: Central Coast

SUBREGION: Solitude Peak

VINEYARDS: Vanderkous Vineyard

VINTAGE: 2018

GRAPES:  Merlot (45%), Sangiovese (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Syrah (5%)

SOIL: Deep, red sandy

PRACTICE: Sustainable, organic farming, vegan

VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested, de-stemmed, fermented in two weeks, neutral oak aging for 18 months, bottle aged 6 months. Unfined, unfiltered, native yeast fermentation.

STYLE: Still

COLOR: Ruby

BODY: Medium (5-6)

TASTE: Dry

PRIMARY AROMAS: Sweet sun-dried tomato, pepper, blueberries

FLAVOR: Soft fruit, subtle peppery finish

FORMAT: 750 ml

ALCOHOL: 13.25%

SERVICE AND SUGGESTION: Pair with roasted pork shoulder or mushrooms, braised short ribs with chimichurri, or dishes cooked with tomato sauce.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: 
Winemakers Jack Roberts (Matthiasson Wines Assistant Winemaker) and Johanna Jensen (formerly with Scholium Project and Broc Cellars) have come together to create wines influenced by the old world with great acid and minimal manipulation. In the vigneron tradition, they do much of the work themselves from vineyard to bottling.

The image on the bottle is of Beverstone Castle, an 11th century Norman stronghold in Gloucestershire, England where Jack’s father was born and raised. All that remains of Beverstone today is what you see on our label -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.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD: 
Dick Vanderkous Solitude Vineyard. Johanna calls this vineyard "The Volcano" because it was planted on its own distinct peak (Solitude Peak) amongst the rolling Contra Costa hills. Dick and Mary Lou Vanderkous planted this extraordinary vineyard over 20 years ago surrounding their home estate. They decided to plant the grapes they loved to drink. The majority of the vineyard is planted to Sangiovese and Merlot with a few rows of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to add some backbone to the field blend.