In 2010 when Donkey & Goat were planting their white varietals for the Eliza Blend with Ron Mansfield at the Barsotti Vineyard, others (Steve Edmunds, Nathan & Duncan at Arnot Roberts) were planting Gamay. In the Beaujolais region of France Gamay thrives on granite so it made perfect sense to explore El Dorado. Both producers inspired them to plant Gamay at the Fenaughty Vineyard in 2018, which will result in our first wine about 2023-24. In the meantime, the Barsotti Vineyard is now in full swing with a little extra fruit each year, so they have already started making Gamay!

Tasting Note: This is a very versatile red wine. Feel free to serve it chilled or at room temperature. If you chill it down, you’ll notice more high tone profile of tart berries and a touch of citrus with a strong acidic profile. Let that glass warm up and you are greeted with aromatics of your favorite baking spices, dried cherry, brambly blackberries, potpourri…and is that, bubblegum? Your mouth finds flavors of kumquat, blueberry and acai hold the wine together while it finishes with some grippy tannins and mushroom, sweet herbs and a hint of pepper. Pair this with some grilled tri-tip and a fresh Mediterranean salad.