Our Winemaking Philosophy
Our Value and Vision:
To vinify crafted wines produced from thoughtfully and sustainably managed vineyards. To share these wines with our family and friends, the ones we know and the ones we look forward to knowing.
Attentive and responsible farming is at the heart of great wine:
Responding to nature’s gifts, as well as to her fury, is key to encouraging the best of what the vine has to offer. Reading the clues, the leaves of the vine tell you when to water; the whole plant whispers to your when to prune, when to pick. You just have to be listening. The spring blossoms can tell you what the harvest might look like. Ah, and the soil! Encouraging microorganisms to do their work, nourishing the roots, holding in the moisture, building layers of nutrients. We practice this in our own vineyards and look for these techniques with the vineyard growers with whom we partner.
Meet the Winemaker Behind Our Philosophy
The trajectory of our winemaking ethos took a transformative turn in 2016 when we welcomed Matt Taylor as our winemaker. With his deep roots in Sonoma County and decades of global winemaking experience, Matt brought a fresh perspective and a commitment to sustainable, terroir-driven practices that have shaped everything we do. His innovative techniques—rooted in biodynamic farming, native yeast fermentation, and minimal intervention—align perfectly with our vision to craft wines that reflect the land and climate of their origin.
To truly understand the passion and expertise behind our wines, we invite you to learn more about Matt Taylor and his remarkable journey. Visit the link below to learn more about Matt’s Journey in Winemaking.
Whole Cluster Fermentation
Winemaker Matt Taylor employs 100% whole-cluster fermentation for Pinot Noir to achieve what he considers the grape’s greatest expression. This approach is tailored to the unique characteristics of their vineyard, which produces fruit with naturally low pH and mature skins due to a long, cool growing season. Whole-cluster fermentation enhances structure, complexity, and aromatic depth by fully breaking down the skins and berries in the fermenter, yielding phenolic richness and high-quality lees essential for extended aging. By avoiding acidulation and using minimal sulfur, Taylor relies on this method to create wines that are both texturally robust and age-worthy, reflecting his commitment to natural winemaking and terroir-driven style.
Oxidative Winemaking
We embrace oxidative winemaking to craft wines that evolve and gain complexity rather than break down once opened. By embracing oxygen through techniques like barrel aging and extended lees contact, the wines develop layered textures, enhanced structure, and nuanced flavors that reflect their terroir. This approach aligns with Taylor’s philosophy of minimal intervention, relying on natural methods to create wines that are balanced, cellar-worthy, and capable of delivering an exceptional sensory experience over time.
OUR ESTATE VINEYARD
Five years ago, the story of Angelo’s Vineyard began with the careful cultivation of Syrah vines. Adding a touch of innovation to tradition, rootstock was planted in the picturesque backdrop of the Angelo Vineyard. A special connection formed in the vineyard every winter, where our Winemaker Matt diligently assisted in the delicate task of winter pruning. Inspired by the charm of the Loire Valley, an exceptional winemaking region, Matt took cuttings home and, with a nod to the bridge between old and new worlds, placed them in canisters stored in cold storage for grafting when the time was right. The culmination of this journey unfolded as the rootstock matured, and Matt expertly grafted those cuttings onto it, resulting in a fusion of five or six varietals. Last year marked the inaugural harvest, unveiling a truly unique field blend that goes beyond convention. This blend, a testament to the Mascarin’s Italian heritage and Mia’s great-grandfather’s legacy, is not merely a field blend; it is a groundbreaking composition that captures the essence of the vineyard’s history and the passion embedded in every vine. The careful balance of old-world and new-world viticulture echoes the rich ongoing narrative of the Italian-Swiss colony, and the historic Dry Creek Valley, and adds an indelible chapter to the winemaking story. This never-before-seen blend stands as a living tribute, personifying the spirit of innovation and tradition that defines Sonoma County’s sustainable winemaking at its finest
