2019 Gonsalves Mataro

Red briar fruits-on entry, spicy tannins, earthy-forest floor, wild, exotic, dried herbs, savory, and lengthy finish with medium-full tannins. EB (2/20)

In 2019 the Gonsalves family provided Ridge with access to an additional century-old block of Mataro. A warm but moderate summer produced beautiful, fully ripe grapes. The harvest occurred the first week of September as we were finishing picking at the nearby Evangleho vineyard. Small tanks were used for the natural yeast fermentations and careful monitoring of extraction produced a wine that is rich and balanced. This robust wine can be enjoyed now and over the next ten years. EB (1/21)

Ridge has a long history producing wine from this spanish grape variety. This is our second vintage from Sandy Lane, which is within a few miles of some of our past, most favorite vines. These century-old vines grow in deep sandy soil. We picked early in 2019 and fermented in small tanks with gentle extraction, making a balanced wine. It will be most enjoyable over the next ten years.

Rainfall: 13 inches (below normal)
Bloom: Early May
Weather: Hot, dry summers with afternoon winds

Harvest Date: 30 August – 2 September
Grapes: Average Brix 23.1˚
TA: 5.30 g/L
pH: 3.63
Fermentation: 100% natural primary and secondary fermentation; 100% submerged cap; pressed at seven days.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (50% three years old and 50% four years old.)
Aging: Fifteen months in barrel

Gonsalves Vineyard grapes, hand-harvested; destemmed and crushed; fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective sulfur; 35ppm at crush, 72ppm during aging. Pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Vinous Media: 92 Points “The 2019 Mataro Gonsalves is another intriguing addition to the lineup. Medium in body, the 2019 is laced with dark cherry fruit intermingled with a range of earthy and savory notes typical of Mataro. This flavorful Contra Costa red has a ton to offer.” -Antonio Galloni (March 2022)

Average Rating: 90.1

No. of Tasting Notes: 24

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