Vineyard Profile: Estate Vineyard
Located on a mountainside high above Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, the rocky soils of Montemaggiore's estate vineyards produce intensely flavored grapes at naturally low yields. Using biodynamic practices and organic materials, we farm Paolo's Vineyard without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

2009 Vintage
The 2009 growing season was almost picture-perfect with a dry, mild spring and a warm (but not too hot) summer. Harvest started on time in late September, but a few weeks into it, meteorologists predicted a huge rainstorm. The relatively thin skins of our Syrah would not be able to withstand a large amount of rain, and working on a muddy mountainside is problematic. Thus the tail end of our Syrah harvest was accelerated, and we brought in the last grapes just before five inches of rain fell on the north coast of California.

Winemaker's Goal
Syrafina's nuances arise from co-fermenting a bit of viognier with our favorite varietal, syrah. The viognier adds floral and citrus notes to the aromas, while simultaneously softening the power of the syrah on the palate. The inspiration for Syrafina comes from the Côte Rôtie region in France, where this blend is quite popular. More on Syrafina Winemaking ▶

Food Pairings
Syrafina pairs well with grilled salmon, roast leg of lamb with rosemary, seafood cioppino, roast duck, grilled portobellos, pork tenderloin, and sheep's milk cheeses.

Consider our recipes for salmon grilled on a cedar plank, chipotle sweet potato gratin, and grilled sausage with fennel and lemon.

Accolades

Wine Enthusiast
April 2012

"Amazing how the addition of just 3% of Viognier lifts the winery’s Syrah and makes this wine so fine. The white variety’s citrusy acidity and lime flavor uplifts and brightens Syrah’s blackberry and blueberry fruit, giving the wine a zesty punch. Drink now for it’s freshness. —S.H."