Sun-warmed. Spiced. Alive.
Demetria Estate is located above Foxen Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The property consists of 213 acres of rolling hills with 38 high-elevation hillside acres under vine. The vineyard was planted by Andrew Murray in phases from 1990 to 2000, exclusively to Rhone varietals, and has been farmed Biodynamically since its purchase by the Zahoudonis family in 2005.
Biodynamic viticulture stems from the ideas of Rudolf Steiner and is based on his spiritual/practical philosophy which includes understanding the ecological, the energetic, and the spiritual in nature. This type of viticulture views the farm as a cohesive, interconnected living system.
There is some debate as to the efficacy of biodynamic farming and whether it is hocus pocus or a real spiritual connection with the land. Undoubtedly, the additional commitment to following the practices and preparations of biodynamics forces the grower to spend more time and attention tending their crops.
In keeping with the spirit of the biodynamic farming practices, to make this wine, we hand harvested the fruit and left 100% of the whole clusters in the fermentation after stomping by foot. We let fermentation start spontaneously, and we foot stomped 1 time/day during a very long extended maceration of about 50 days on skins. The wine was pressed directly to neutral French oak and aged for 20 months.
The result is exotic, floral and pretty with clove, red cherry, pomegranate, and herb aromas. The palate is plush and juicy cherry in the front with drying tannin, crushed red pepper, and a sturdy finish from all the stem contact.
