Cruse Wine Co. Alder Springs Tannat

Cruse Wine Co.’s Alder Springs Tannat is sourced from the high‑elevation Alder Springs Vineyard in Mendocino County, planted at around 2,300 ft on a steep south-facing slope of decomposed sandstone—an approach that encourages even ripening of the intense, tannic Tannat variety.

The vineyard employs sustainable viticulture with a clear movement toward organic and even biodynamic certification. All work is performed by hand, including pruning and canopy management, and yields are deliberately kept low to concentrate flavor. Soil health is maintained with these low-intervention practices, and no synthetic chemicals are used.

In the cellar, the fruit is destemmed and fermented spontaneously (with native yeasts) in concrete vats. The wine undergoes gentle extraction through punch-downs and pump-overs for around 12 days, followed by malolactic conversion in used barriques. It’s then racked once before bottling and receives minimal added sulfur—just enough to stabilize, with no fining or filtration.

Together, these farming and winemaking choices contribute to a Tannat that’s textural, expressive, and authentic to both its variety and its high‑altitude Mendocino origin.