# Crunchy Rôastie Syrah & Viognier (2023)

- **Producer:** Stolpman Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Viognier
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, violet, rose, black pepper, smoke, tobacco, tar

## About this wine

Stolpman Vineyards, located in Santa Barbara County's Ballard Canyon AVA, created the 'So Fresh' lineup to explore lighter-bodied, minimal-extraction expressions of classic grape varieties. 'Crunchy Rôastie' is a playful homage to the Northern Rhône's Côte-Rôtie region. Sourced from limestone-rich soils in Los Olivos and Foxen Canyon, the grapes are harvested early in the season while still firm and vibrant, producing a fresh, low-alcohol red wine designed to be served slightly chilled.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's name is a playful nod to Côte Rôtie, co-fermenting Syrah with a touch of aromatic Viognier.
- Grapes are harvested early in the season while still 'crunchy' to maintain vibrant high acidity.
- Stolpman shares 10% of winery profits directly with its full-time vineyard staff through La Cuadrilla.

## Food pairing

The lively acidity and low, soft tannins cut effortlessly through rich fats found in pork, duck, and charcuterie without stripping away natural fruit sweetness. Serving the wine slightly chilled enhances its fresh fruit character while complementing smoky and charred wood-fired flavors.

## Wine making process

The 2023 vintage underwent 100% whole-cluster, un-crushed native carbonic fermentation for 9–10 days in sealed stainless steel tanks, co-fermenting 95% Syrah with 5% Viognier without added sulfur. The wine aged for 10 months total—65% in neutral French oak puncheons and 35% in stainless steel—before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.