Now that harvest is over, it’s time for clean-up, repairs, and preparation for the start of the pruning season. In the winery, Megan is finishing the last fermentations, filling a lot of barrels, and conducting an overall evaluation of the vintage. Our yields in the vineyard were lower than normal this year for several reasons. Mainly, I believe last year’s late harvest reduced the yields for this year. Pinot Grigio was an exception—it seems like nothing bothers it. Our preliminary indications of the vintage suggest that quality is high.

2021 Sparkling Rosato: Chardonnay is the base wine for most Champagnes, or Sparkling Wines, in the world. We added 3% Malvasia Bianca and 2% Dolcetto to give it the Italian influence. The result is a very tasty and enjoyable wine. This one is a reason to party!

2021 Rosso Dolce Freisa: I can’t tell you where you can find another Freisa in California. This old Italian variety dates back a few hundred years, and at one time, it was the premier grape of Italy. It makes a big, bold, slightly tannic wine, which is why it benefits from some residual sugar to soften the tannins. The sweetness in this red wine makes it a great pairing with certain dishes, like roast turkey with cranberry sauce or hot Italian sausage. It might surprise you.

2020 Riserva: Toccata Riserva has consistently scored in the low 90s. It’s my favorite Toccata wine, a blend of our best Cabernet with Merlot and Sangiovese, aged in French oak. The Italians recently changed the contents of Super Tuscan wines, which I understand, as they can now make them with or without Sangiovese. In my opinion, the Sangiovese is the key that keeps it Italian. These grapes complement each other perfectly. Don’t be afraid to put a bottle or two of this one away for a few years.

Even though Santa Claus is a good guy, don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is also a gift.