Old Vine Ranch by Marietta Cellars
Old Vine Red Lot 71
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, Barbera, and Carignane 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 71 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
Bright, brambly, and savory, OVR Lot 71 is the perfect wine to head into the Fall of 2020. Barrel aged Syrah yields a well of rich flavors: charcuterie, baking spice, and dried herbs. Petite Sirah pulls through this richness and lays a foundation of dark cherry and licorice. Nervy and bright, Zinfandel focuses the fruit driven nose and lifts the mouthfeel with it’s youthful, juicy exuberance. This wine is already looking towards the holidays and is ready to celebrate anything from Thanksgiving to a Saturday evening with family.
Food Pairing
Pair the Old Vine Red with a wide range of foods: pizza, pasta, burgers, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and tacos.
Color
Red
Appellation
California, United States
Farming
Organic
Alcohol
13.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$18
Reviews
"Full flavor, juicy appeal and sensitive price point"
Wine Advocate - June 8, 2021 "Deep ruby-purple in color, the NV Old Vine Red Lot 71 has bright black cherry on the nose, with accents of fresh tobacco leaves, woodsmoke iron and potpourri. Medium-bodied, grainy and fresh, it has spicy, mineral-laced fruit and a long, lifted finish. I love this wine for its full flavor, juicy appeal and sensitive price point." - E.B.
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Sauvignon Blanc
California, United States
Inspired by Marietta's original cult wine, Old Vine Red, the Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc draws on the same simple focus to make delicious wines that bring people together. Made in a fresh, fruity style, this Sauvignon Blanc is somewhere between New Zealand and the Loire in its tropical fruit profile; bright and juicy with lovely white floral notes wrapped around a papaya and grapefruit core.
Rosé
California, United States
Made in a Provençal style from some of California’s oldest Syrah and Grenache vines, this rosé is fresh, nuanced, and balanced. A vibrant bouquet of ruby grapefruit, orange sorbet, and mint leads to a palate of tangy red currant, mineral-driven texture, and a lively, zesty finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon
California, United States
Inspired by Marietta's iconic Old Vine Red, this Cabernet marks its debut in the Old Vine Ranch series. Crafted with minimal intervention to let the fruit shine, the wine is bold and rich, with notes of spice and oak surrounding a core of black currant—delicious and inviting.
Old Vine Rosé
California, United States
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.
