Marietta Cellars
Old Vine Red Lot 72
California, United States
Affectionately known as “OVR,” Marietta’s Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the field blends of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. A groundbreaking combination of varietals and multiple vintages first produced in 1982, this wine has blazed the path for red blends for decades. With an historic underground following, it is one of the longest lasting and best known red blends produced today. Predominantly comprised of fresh, young Zinfandel, OVR gets its backbone from Petite Sirah with about three years of age in neutral barrel, and its savory component from Syrah with about two years of age in neutral barrel. Occasionally, other varieties like Barbera, Carignan, or Grenache will be blended in to complement the other elements. The goal is always to create an enjoyable table wine made with integrity that combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure.
Winemaking
The goal of winemaking at Marietta is to let the fruit speak for itself. Cool fermentations, neutral oak and stainless steel all work in concert to preserve the purity of fruit in the “OVR” wines. Primarily Zinfandel from 2019, fermented and aged in stainless tank, and benefiting from barrel aged Syrah and Petite Sirah from 2018 and 2017. Small amounts of Grenache and Barbera complete the wine. 60% was aged in neutral barrels and 40% was aged in stainless steel.
Vintage
A combination of wine from the 2019, 2018, and 2017 vintages, Lot 72 of Old Vine Red melds the freshness of young wines with the savory and silky characters of aged wines to deliver a refreshing, layered, and pleasurable wine. Each “lot” of OVR is blended to produce the best possible wine from separately aged individual varietals.
Tasting Note
OVR Lot Number 72 is bright and juicy, with strawberry and black raspberry supported by savory notes of briar and slate. The fruity and fresh Zinfandel from 2019 is given added complexity and length by barrel aged Syrah and Petite Sirah from 2018 and 2017. A touch of Grenache and Barbera add a more complex red fruit character and hint of red licorice and white pepper.
Food Pairing
Pair the Old Vine Red with a wide range of foods: pizza, pasta, burgers, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and tacos.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Barbera, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
Appellation
California, United States
Farming
Organic
Alcohol
13.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$18
Reviews
"Ripe, juicy"
James Suckling - July 20, 2021 "A ripe, juicy red with blackberry, mushroom, old-bark and tobacco character. Woody and tarry. Some moss, too. Full-bodied with round tannins and a flavorful finish. Mostly zinfandel. Real red." - J.S.
More on Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 72
Wine of the week: OVR, Old Vine Red, NV, Lot No. 72, Geyserville, by Marietta Cellars
May 4, 2021 - The Press Democrat selected Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot No. 72 as its wine of the week. Holiday parties served as the inspiration for this column. The publication's tasting…
Trade Materials
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Marietta's Old Vine Riesling is the most recent and unique extension of the Old Vine series (or "OVR"). Originally intended as a gift for Scot's partner, Lisa, who is German, the bone dry style of Riesling became a fan favorite and permanent addition. While it is the only wine is the lineup that is not estate grown, it comes from some of California's oldest Riesling vines and offers an extraordinary value and delightful drinking experience.
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Marietta's Old Vine Rosé is a perfect extension of the Old Vine series. Made in a Provençale, direct-press style from some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache vines in California, it is fresh, nuanced, and perfectly balanced to enjoy with food or on its own. As always with the "OVR" wines, it delivers a lot more substance and pleasure than you could expect.
