# Piedrasassi Sta. Rita Hills Syrah (2017)

- **Producer:** Piedrasassi
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** spice, black plum, blackberry, black pepper

## About this wine

The Piedrasassi Sta. Rita Hills Syrah 2017 is a red wine from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, California. Piedrasassi, founded by Sashi and Melissa Moorman and Peter and Amy Pastan, is known for its focus on cool-climate Syrah. The winery's philosophy centers on ecological responsibility and coaxing individual expressions of place from each harvest. The Sta. Rita Hills AVA's unique microclimate, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, is crucial for developing complex Syrah with savory textures. The name 'Piedrasassi' itself is a nod to the owners' heritage, meaning 'rock and stone' in Italian.

## Interesting facts

- Piedrasassi means 'rock and stone' in Italian.
- The winery emphasizes ecological responsibility in farming.
- Wines are crafted to reveal new facets over time.
- The name 'Piedrasassi' is derived from the owners' names.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and savory notes pair well with rich, protein-forward dishes. The acidity can cut through fattier meats, while the tannins complement the protein structure. Herbal and earthy notes in the wine can echo similar flavors in the food.

## Wine making process

The Piedrasassi Sta. Rita Hills Syrah 2017 is produced using a natural winemaking approach. Fermentation is typically carried out with indigenous yeasts, allowing for a direct expression of the grape and vineyard. The wine is then aged in large, used barrels, a technique chosen to minimize oak influence and preserve the varietal character. Piedrasassi sources grapes from various vineyard sites within the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, emphasizing ecological responsibility in their farming practices. The winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention to allow the unique terroir to be showcased in the final wine, with the goal of creating wines structured for aging and meant to be paired with food.