2024 Monte Rio Cellars Clements Hills Skin-Contact Vermentino

Monte Rio Cellars’ “The Bench” Skin-Contact Vermentino is an expressive, minimal-intervention wine that bridges the white and orange wine worlds. Grown in the biodynamically farmed Bench Vineyard in the Clements Hills AVA of Lodi, this Vermentino is hand-harvested and fermented on skins for 30 days in open-top tanks, with daily cap submergence. After skin contact, it is gently pressed and aged (five months) in neutral vessels to preserve freshness and varietal clarity. The result is a richly textured yet vivid wine, combining apricot blossoms, tangerine zest, black tea notes, and a subtle savory edge. With bright acidity and a long finish, it’s ideal for adventurous white wine drinkers seeking nuance, character, and typicity of place.

Nose: Delicate florals of apricot blossom and orange blossom emerge first, then deepen into tangerine peel, white tea, and dried herb nuances. A faint aroma of chamomile tea and stone notes underlie the fruit.

Palate: The palate is textured and lively: stone fruit (white peach, apricot) transitions into citrus (tangerine, lemon pith) over a core of skin-contact herbal tea tannins. The midpalate shows depth and richness, balanced by bright acidity that keeps the wine energetic.

Finish: On the finish, citrus and floral echoes linger, with a whisper of tea leaf tannin and mineral grip. The acidity extends, leaving a clean but gently savory fade.

Excellent with grilled shrimp or scallops, roasted root vegetables, herbed chicken, or a fresh citrus & fennel salad.