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.

2011 Vintage
Although California's north coast has an ideal climate for growing grapes, the weather in 2011 created many challenges.  Spring was wet and cold, including rain during the crucial pollination phase, followed by a cool summer with temperatures 10-15°F below normal. With a smaller crop, ripening sped up with warmer temperatures in August and September, but then the rain arrived early in October.  At Montemaggiore, we harvested in smaller lots than usual, offering the vines every opportunity for ripeness before significant rain damage set in. 

Winemaker's Goal
With the Nobile blend, Cabernet's strengths (structure, ageability, and depth) are combined with syrah's strengths (breadth of flavors, soft tannins)—thereby yielding a wine that's appealing fruit aromas, easy to drink young or aged, and a lot of complexity to keep you sipping! More on Nobile Winemaking ▶

Food Pairings
Being a balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this wine goes well with the dishes that traditionally go well with each varietal.  

Nobile pairs well with a grilled steak, braised short ribs, grilled sausage, roasted squash, braised lamb shanks, and polenta with grilled portobellos.

Consider our recipe for osso buco.

Accolades