GNARLY INSPIRATION When the search for great Zinfandel led us to Lodi, we saw vineyards that are among the oldest in California – several that are over 80 years old! The vines planted in these older vineyards are free standing “head trained” vines that resemble wild bushes with twisted old trunks and branches that spread out in all directions like unruly umbrellas – truly gnarly heads. These gnarled, head trained vines provided the inspiration for Gnarly Head…they look gnarly and the wines they create are powerful, concentrated, and in other words, gnarly. But Zinfandel is not the only California grape that can be gnarly. All Gnarly Head wines are crafted in our house style: big, bold and juicy. WINE Gnarly H ead Pinot G rigio is the M aserati of California w hite w ine, and it's time to take it for a spin. This bright w hite w ine boasts lemon blossom, jasmine, tropical fruit, h oneysuckle and w hite p each aromas, followed by luscious flavors of nectarine, lemon and honeydew m elon wrapping up w ith a clean, refreshing finish. Crisp fruit and zesty acidity m ake this m edium-­‐bodied w ine a perfect aperitif or pair for spicy ginger pork, grilled seafood kebabs o r spinach salad with w arm bacon vinaigrette. VINTAGE In 2014, California experienced its third straight year of outstanding quality across all varieties. The winter months were recorded as some of the driest in recent years, but light rain showers in early spring provided a solid foundation for an ideal bud break and fruit set. Warm and rain-­‐
free, the dry conditions throughout the rest of the growing season produced smaller berries than usual, resulting in concentrated flavors, bright aromatics and balanced acidity. VINEYARDS The majority of the fruit for Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio is selected from vineyards in the Lodi region. Known for its classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool maritime breezes, Lodi produces well-­‐
balanced Pinot Grigio grapes, which combine delicate floral aromas with full, ripe fruit flavor. A small portion of the fruit comes from our San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey County. As one of the coolest growing regions in California, this vineyard contributes grapes with crisp, bright acidity and brilliant flavor concentration. WINEMAKING Fruit for the Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio was harvested in the cool hours of the night, delivered to the winery and immediately pressed into fermenters. The subsequent juice was cold-­‐settled and racked clean. Fermentation began and proceeded at low temperatures in a controlled and steady manner, which maximized the spectacular fruit and floral aromas that a perfectly righteous Pinot Grigio can produce. Aged entirely in stainless steel, this Pinot Grigio embodies the essence of bold, crisp California wine. TECHNICAL DATA APPELLATION: California ALCOHOL: 13% by volume TOTAL ACID: 0.53g/100ml FINAL pH: 3.45