La Dolce Vita Vineyard and Winery encompasses
4 acres of Pinot Gris and 6 acres of Pinot Noir. Founded by Brent and
mary Freeman in 1994, the vineyards face
southeast and south in a protected swale, shielded from cooler winds.
Dominated by acidic Melbourne soils, rich
in iron and clay, the vineyard yields consistently excellent cool weather
grapes. Cropping and intensive vineyard management leads to tiny yields
of no more than 2 tons per acre and concentrated fruit. The Pinot Gris
is fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fl avors. In contrast,
the Pinot Noir benefits from 18 months of barrel aging while exposed
to at least 30% new
French oak. Terrific wines from a small, local producer.
