#dirtyandrowdy

8/13: Hardy Wallace

As of August 10th I am working 100% for Dirty and Rowdy Family Winery.  It is an incredible feeling (90% excitement and 10% terror). This jump is rooted in part that we’ve decided to do what many would declare borderline insane. In 2013 we will produce six single vineyard Mourvèdre wines (up from three in 2012).  The vineyards we are using are spread almost 500 miles across the great state of CA and grow in disparate soils from granite, to limestone, to volcanic, sandstone, clay, and “dirt”. They range from 800-3400ft elevation and stretch from Santa Barbara to Mendocino. This is an undertaking that will require lots of miles, and miles take time. Keeping the quality in line with the adventure is beyond a full time job.   So why six Mourvèdres?  Because we believe in dirt, untapped potential, and that Mourvèdre from a right place at a right time can tell a varied, curious, and meaningful story.  This approach is not questioned when it comes to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, or Zin- Compared to those varieties, we have barely explored the possibilities with domestic Mourvèdre Along with our three new Mourvèdre Vineyards, we will enthusiastically continue with Semillon, our mini block of old vine Petite Sirah, and also explore tiny lots of higher elevation Pinot Blanc (on decomposed granite), and remote Northern Mendocino Chardonnay. With a deep exhale of happiness and a lifetime supply of books on tape, we launch into another chapter of our Dirty and Rowdy Family Winery, and we thank everyone that has helped us keep on keeping on-  especially Kevin Kelley, Ann Kraemer, Ehren Jordan, and Cathy Corison) Most importantly, the greatest love and respect for Kate, Amy, Matt, and our extended Dirty and Rowdy Family.   With joy and adventure, Hardy Wallace