2024 Monte Rio Cellars Clements Hills Skin-Contact Vermentino

Winemaker Patrick Cappiello draws the 2024 “The Bench” Vermentino from a biodynamically farmed, 30-year-old vineyard perched on Clements Hills’ stony benchlands east of Lodi. Hand-harvested fruit arrives cool at the winery, clusters foot-crushed, then left under a floating cap for a full thirty days of skin maceration. Twice-daily punch-downs keep the ferment airy; native yeasts finish the wine bone-dry before a gentle basket press sends it to neutral barrels for a quick five-month rest. No fining, filtering, or additions—just pure, copper-hued Vermentino humming with orchard blossom, tangerine peel, and oolong-tea grip. Lively acidity and a salty river-rock edge refresh the rich texture, making each pour both contemplative and wholly crushable. Serve lightly chilled now for vivid fruit, or let a year in bottle knit deeper savory notes.

Nose: Apricot blossom, dried orange peel, and honeysuckle float over hints of chamomile and wet granite.

Palate: Juicy peach, candied tangerine, and ginger snap glide across fine, tea-like tannins and bright citrus acidity.

Finish: Long, bone-dry close echoes citrus oil, almond skin, and a clean, saline snap.

Brilliant with saffron-poached mussels, roasted carrot salad tossed in tahini and coriander, or aged Manchego drizzled with wildflower honey—the wine’s vibrant fruit, subtle grip, and mineral backbone elevate every flavorful bite.