Region: Mendocino Ridge (Mendocino County / North Coast), California, United States
Grapes: 100% Primitivo
Body: Medium to Full
Notes: Wild blackberry, ripe dark plum, dried fig, crushed sage, leather, dark cocoa, and wet slate, with vibrant high-elevation natural acidity, fine rustic tannins, and a bone-dry, savory, coastal-saline finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, slow-roasted pork shoulder, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, wood-fired mushroom pizza, aged cheddar, or braised short ribs
The Producer
Mariah Vineyards is a pioneer of extreme high-altitude coastal viticulture, situated 2,400 feet above sea level in the fog-bound Mendocino Ridge AVA. Perched high above the Pacific marine layer, the estate operates strictly under organic and regenerative farming practices, dry-farming its mountain slopes to encourage deep root systems into fractured sandstone and shale soils. In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy prioritizes site expression through low-intervention practices: native wild-yeast fermentations, aging in seasoned neutral oak, minimal physical manipulation, and low sulfur usage.
The Wine
Sourced exclusively from Mariah Vineyards' high-elevation, dry-farmed mountain blocks, this 100% Primitivo offers a distinct coastal expression of a variety typically associated with warm climate zones. The mountain sun provides full phenolic maturity, while cold ocean winds and significant diurnal temperature drops preserve exceptional natural acidity. Hand-harvested and fermented spontaneously with ambient wild yeasts, the wine aged in neutral French oak barrels to soften its structure without obscuring its mineral signature. The 2021 vintage delivers dense dark mountain fruit anchored by vibrant acidity, herbal complexity, and a long, savory finish.
Region: Mendocino Ridge (Mendocino County / North Coast), California, United States
Grapes: 100% Primitivo
Body: Medium to Full
Notes: Wild blackberry, ripe dark plum, dried fig, crushed sage, leather, dark cocoa, and wet slate, with vibrant high-elevation natural acidity, fine rustic tannins, and a bone-dry, savory, coastal-saline finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, slow-roasted pork shoulder, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, wood-fired mushroom pizza, aged cheddar, or braised short ribs
The Producer
Mariah Vineyards is a pioneer of extreme high-altitude coastal viticulture, situated 2,400 feet above sea level in the fog-bound Mendocino Ridge AVA. Perched high above the Pacific marine layer, the estate operates strictly under organic and regenerative farming practices, dry-farming its mountain slopes to encourage deep root systems into fractured sandstone and shale soils. In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy prioritizes site expression through low-intervention practices: native wild-yeast fermentations, aging in seasoned neutral oak, minimal physical manipulation, and low sulfur usage.
The Wine
Sourced exclusively from Mariah Vineyards' high-elevation, dry-farmed mountain blocks, this 100% Primitivo offers a distinct coastal expression of a variety typically associated with warm climate zones. The mountain sun provides full phenolic maturity, while cold ocean winds and significant diurnal temperature drops preserve exceptional natural acidity. Hand-harvested and fermented spontaneously with ambient wild yeasts, the wine aged in neutral French oak barrels to soften its structure without obscuring its mineral signature. The 2021 vintage delivers dense dark mountain fruit anchored by vibrant acidity, herbal complexity, and a long, savory finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.