2019 Idlewild Flora & Fauna
Apr 16, 2022
WINE: 2019 Idlewild Flora & Fauna
REGION: Mendocino, California
BLEND: Dolcetto 48%, Barbera 48%, Nebbiolo 4%
ABV: 12.9%
NOTES:
Flora & Fauna loosely means the collection of plant and animal life for a certain period of time. In this blend, it is roughly 48% Dolcetto, 48% Barbera, and 4% Nebbiolo. The fruit comes from Fox Hill Vineyard and Lost Hills Ranch. Fox Hill lends depth while LostHills balances with vibrancy and bright aromatics. Mendocino is what is most on display with high and low tones and a very pleasant rusticity. In contrast to the varietal bottling of these wines, these grapes are from sections of the vineyard that yield a lighter structure and are handled with this early-to-bottle style in mind.
In Italy, the house wine is often light, fresh, and firmly structured so as to pair beautifully next to a wide range of foods, and that is the inspiration for this blend. The 2019 is both deep and savory while also being light and fresh. Dark cherry, iron and sanguine notes, warm spices,dried herbs, violets, and graphite are highlights of the aromas. The mouth feel is a joyful interplay of brightness with chewy bass notes before the seriousness kicks in with a firm acid and tannin balance on the finish. Idlewild is known to make these Piedmont-esque wines hailing from Italy with well established grapes from Mendicino, California.
PAIRINGS:
I would enjoy this easy-sipping wine with beef dishes, lamb, or poultry.