Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Venom comes entirely from Rattlesnake Hill Vineyard on the Home Ranch estate in Alexander Valley. The rugged parcel overlooks both the ranch and the wider valley and has a 40% slope that provides strong drainage. Only about 20–41 cm of topsoil covers clay and varying layers of basalt, sandstone and serpentine rock; the site is also characterized by shallow soil and nearly impenetrable volcanic shale.
The distinctive Sangiovese clone was planted by Edoardo Seghesio in 1910 in what is described as America’s oldest Sangiovese vineyard. It forms loose clusters of small berries.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese.
Vinification
The grapes were picked at dawn so the first sunlight could dry residual dew. Hand sorting removed overexposed clusters and berries, and the fruit was moved without pumps directly into open-top fermenters. Spontaneous fermentation relied on yeast present on the grapes and proceeded gently during its early stages to build color while protecting Sangiovese’s delicate aromas. The wine remained on its skins for 10–12 days, then was drained and briefly settled before transfer to newly filled 500 L puncheons.
Ageing
Malolactic fermentation took place in puncheon. The blend was assembled after eight months and finished in concrete tanks. Total ageing lasted 16 months: 12% in new 500 L French-oak puncheons, 74% in seasoned French-oak puncheons and 14% in concrete. The wine was bottled unfined with minimal filtration.
Technical data
2023 vintage. Alcohol: 14.5%. pH: 3.72. Total acidity: 5.8 g/L. Harvest dates: September 22–October 7, 2023.
Tasting profile
Ripe red-cherry aromas and floral accents introduce a silky entry. Orange peel and baking spices give the palate energy, while tannins emerge toward the back of the palate. The structure points to longevity and carries the flavors through a long, lingering finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with mushroom and sausage risotto, duck confit, or chicken cacciatore.
Vintage notes
Abundant early-season rainfall in 2023 saturated the soils and delayed vineyard work. Regenerative measures included adjusted timing of vineyard practices, maintenance of active roots, vineyard crimping and cover crops applied at approximately 9,000–11,000 kg/ha. A needs-based fungicide program reduced applications, while mechanical canopy lifting expanded to nearly 81 hectares. Cool nights, mild afternoons and an absence of extreme heat supported an even harvest.
Label / history
The name refers to the rattlesnakes associated with the rugged Rattlesnake Hill site. A harmless deposit of quercetin may occasionally appear on the cork or in the opened wine; this antioxidant deposit is described as relatively common in wines made entirely from Sangiovese.
