# Queen of the Sierra Red (2025)

- **Producer:** Forlorn Hope
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Trousseau Noir, Mondeuse
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, cherry, plum, rose, violet

## About this wine

Forlorn Hope was established in 2005 by US Navy veteran and UC Davis graduate Matthew Rorick. The name originates from the Dutch term 'verloren hoop', symbolising a brave, non-interventionist approach to winemaking. In 2013, the winery acquired the historic 75-acre Rorick Heritage Vineyard in Calaveras County, situated at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The site features schist topsoil over a bed of dolomite-rich limestone, producing fruit with distinct mineral character and natural freshness under organic farming practices led by vineyard manager Demetrio Nava.

## Interesting facts

- The name Forlorn Hope comes from the Dutch 'verloren hoop', meaning a lost troop sent on a risky charge.
- The estate vineyard sits at 2,000 feet elevation on rare dolomite-rich limestone in Calaveras County.
- Winemaker Matthew Rorick is a US Navy veteran who studied viticulture at UC Davis.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and moderate tannins allow this vibrant red to cut through rich fats, tomatoes, and grilled meats without overpowering delicate food flavors. Serving slightly chilled further emphasizes its freshness against savory dishes.

## Wine making process

The fruit is 100% estate-grown and organically farmed, harvested in staggered picks based on varietal balance. Maceration includes partial whole-cluster bunches with wild yeast fermentations taking place spontaneously. Lots are fermented separately after skin contact averaging 14 to 21 days until complete dryness. Aging occurs in neutral 227-liter French oak barriques and stainless steel tanks without new oak intervention. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with zero chemical additions, save for minimal sulfur dioxide at bottling.