2021 Mallea Red Blend, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
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ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2021 Mallea Red Rhône Blend from Santa Barbara County is a refined and terroir-driven tribute to classic Southern Rhône style, conceived by the dynamic partnership of viticulturist Erik Mallea and winemaker Justin Willett. Drawing from organically and sustainably farmed vineyards clustered around Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, this estate blend showcases Mallea’s commitment to regional expression and meticulous vineyard management.
Composed of 44% Grenache, 42% Syrah, and 14% Mourvèdre, the wine is fermented using native yeasts in open-top oak vats. Syrah and Grenache undergo partial whole-cluster fermentation, while Mourvèdre is fully destemmed. After fermentation, it is aged for approximately 14 months in neutral barriques, followed by two months in tank for natural clarification. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve texture and character.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Mallea Wines is a boutique, Rhône-focused project based in Santa Barbara County, California, founded by the talented duo Erik Mallea and Justin Willett. The name “Mallea” not only reflects Erik’s family heritage but also symbolizes the partnership’s shared commitment to producing elegant, terroir-driven wines from some of California’s most compelling cool-climate vineyard sites. Their focus is on small-lot, minimal-intervention winemaking that highlights the purity and structure of Rhône varieties grown in the diverse soils and microclimates of Santa Ynez Valley.
The vineyards they work with are farmed either organically or with sustainable principles, and all fruit is hand-harvested, with native yeast fermentation and no additives beyond minimal sulfur. The wines are aged in neutral oak barrels, and bottling is done unfined and unfiltered, maintaining the natural character of the fruit and site.