2022 Reserve Nero d'Avola 750ml

2022 HANNA Reserve Nero d'Avola, Alexander Valley, 88 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast

Block 15 Terraces: In the foothills on the southeast side of Alexander Valley lies Hanna Winery’s Red Ranch. Affectionally called “AV” in-house, for years the property exclusively grew Bordeaux varieties. Bordered by Hoot Owl creek and the tasting room, the north facing block 15 terraces were home to Merlot for 29 years. In 2019 we replanted to Malbec, but the Kincade fire consumed the young vines. Inspiration struck and we planted Nero d’Avola, the Sicilian superstar.

Vintage 2022: The first vintage for the Nero block evidenced proof of concept. The growing season was practically perfect until the Labor Day heat wave. With five consecutive days over 104o F, peaking at 119o F on September 6, despite its tender age, Nero stood fast. Yes, it got ripe, but stayed plump and retained its acidity. We picked it on September 12th at 28.5 o Brix, a TA of 0.61 g/ 100 mL, and a pH of 3.66.  

Winemaking: Easy does it. Eschewing S02, we pitched with non-saccharomyces yeast, and cold soaked for eight days. Fermentation temperatures were moderate, and cap management was gentle, using our juice only pumpover technique to retain suppleness.

Technical: Ninety-eight percent Nero d’Avola, two percent Malbec, aged on lees in 75% neutral French oak, 12.5% terracotta amphora and 12.5% new fine grain French oak. We bottled 199 cases on June 28, 2023.

Tasting Notes: Our Nero has aromas and flavors of Bing Cherry, raspberry kefir, Bergamot, cocoa, clove, fresh cedar leaf and matcha. These flavors linger deliciously, framed in silk and spice. (Tasted 7-31-23)

 

Variety

98% Nero d’Avola, 2% Malbec

Vineyard Location

HANNA Red Ranch blocks 15 and 32 in Alexander Valley

Age of Vines

2-4 years

 

Alcohol  14.8%

pH  3.56

Titratable Acidity (TA)

0.73 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar  0.07%

 

Harvest Dates       

September 12 and 16, 2022

Avg. Brix at Harvest   28.5o

 

Fermentation Inoculated with sequential yeast, 11 days skin contact.

Malolactic fermentation 100% of blend

Length/Type of Aging 8 months in barrel

Oak Types 12.5% new French oak barrels from Colbert

 

Bottling Date June 28, 2023

Number of Cases 199

Vegan