Stirm Cabernet Pfeffer
Stirm Cabernet Pfeffer
The grapes were picked by hand on September 24th, 2021. At the winery the grapes were given 15 days of whole cluster maceration in redwood fermenters to extract tannins, aroma, and flavor compounds in the skins via once daily pumpovers. About one third of the crop was destemmed. After pressing and settling, the wine was racked into old barrels for 10 months elevage on fine lees. Racked to tank a month prior to bottling we ever use is sulfur. Bottled August 13th, 2022. 260 cases produced.
At a Glance
- Origin: Pajaro Valley, California
- Varietal & Type: Cabernet Pfeffer
- Vintage: 2022
- ABV: 13%
- Vineyard Soil: Calcite limestone, sandy loam (Wirz Vineyard)
- USNW Classification: Natural
Tasting Notes & Pairing
- Profile: Red currant, wild strawberry, rosemary, structured tannisn
- Food Pairing: Grilled lamb, rosemary dishes, mushrooms, aged cheeses
- Serving Temp: 60-65°F (Slightly below room temp)
About the Winemaker
Stirm Wine Co. is pioneering the future of old-school California viticulture and traditional winemaking in the Pajaro Valley. Founded by Ryan Stirm, the winery is dedicated to reviving Riesling's former glory in California while preserving historic grape varieties like Cabernet Pfeffer.
Ryan Stirm grew up in Contra Costa County, developing interests in gardening and food through jobs at a culinary school. He studied Wine and Viticulture at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo with minors in soil science and sustainable agriculture. His first internship at Saucelito Canyon taught him to work with ancient dry-farmed vines. He trained under Justin Willett at Tyler Winery, worked in Margaret River and Austria's Wachau, and at Thomas Fogarty before founding Stirm Wine Co.
Farming & Cellar: The philosophy holds that authentic wine is a direct reflection of the specific patch of earth it comes from. They work with dry-farmed, organic vineyards on the Central Coast, spending most time in the vineyards and monitoring natural fermentations. Cabernet Pfeffer, originally from Bordeaux and only grown in San Benito County (about 17 acres worldwide), is one of their most treasured varieties, with some vines over 120 years old.
US Natural Wine ships once a week, every Wednesday. All orders should be placed by Tuesday at noon in order to be picked up from our distributors and out on Wednesday's delivery truck.
Shipping cost is 35 bucks a box (up to 12 bottles) so we highly encourage picking up more than 1 bottle for the best value! Remember, all orders over $200 get FREE SHIPPING!
At $35, shipping cost is on par with most wine ecommerce. Ultimately, we eat the cost of shipping more often than not because wine can be damn heavy. We can't thank you enough for your understanding!
