Vineyard
A remote site in the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains. The vines are grown at 5,000 feet on granite and gneiss derived sandy loam, embedded with gravel and cobbles in clay and limestone. The farming practices at Red Tree Ranch are organic, animal and insect friendly and the vineyard is irrigated only when necessary. The ranch is situated in the middle of a riparian wildlife corridor and is home to desert tortoises, deer, bobcats, turkeys, javelina, owls and other birds of prey.The Grapes
The Syrah and Fiano vines were planted in 2010 and farmed organically since 2020. The practicing organic grapes grow creekside, in the cool mountain air surrounded by groves of oak, sycamore, cottonwood, cypress and juniper. Extreme diurnal shifts of hot days and cool nights allow the grapes to preserve aromas and natural acidity. Because of the cooler climate in the Chiricahua Foothills, the grapes ripen more slowly, allowing for longer “hang time” and greater acid development.Compadres 2023
VARIETY 50% Fiano, 50% Syrah
BRIX at Harvest 20.5
PH in Bottle 3.55
LOCATION Chiricahua Foothills, Arizona
VINEYARD Red Tree Ranch
SOIL TYPE Granite and gneiss derived sandy loam, embedded with gravel cobbles in clay and limestone
PRODUCTION 66 cases
ALCOHOL 11.5%
Vinification
The Fiano and Syrah grapes were hand picked with the help of friends and transported to Arizona Stronghold in Camp Verde, Arizona for vinification. The grapes were destemmed and co-fermented with native yeasts on the skins for 11 days with several punch downs a day before being pressed off at dryness into two neutral oak barrels. The wine was aged sur lie for ~7 months with no bâtonnage. Racked once before bottling. Unfined, unfiltered with 20 PPM of added SO2.Expression
Explosive notes of blueberries, cranberries and citrus on the nose, açai bowl and citrus forward notes on the pallet. The balance between the fruit, acidity and body come together quite nicely. The wine has depth yet is very easy drinking and should be enjoyed chilled.