Alta Marfa 'Picnic' Red, Texas High Plains, USA

The 2023 Alta Marfa Picnic Red captures the playful side of Sangiovese, delivering a burst of bright fruit and easygoing charm that begs to be shared under the open sky. Light on its feet yet full of personality, this wine is made for casual moments, from sunlit picnics to impromptu dinners with friends.

Product Details:

• Variety: 100% Sangiovese
• ABV: 11.48%
• Vineyard: Kubacak Vineyard, High Plains AVA
• Harvest Date: September 5, 2023
• Bottling Date: March 5, 2024
• Process: Hand-harvested, foot-stomped, whole cluster bin fermentation, pressed after 7 days. 10% carbonic maceration for 30 days, then pressed and combined. Aged in poly tank with full malolactic fermentation. 19 ppm total SO₂.
• Total Production: 280 cases

Sensory Description:

Juicy and exuberant, this Sangiovese brims with notes of Jolly Rancher candy, cranapple, rhubarb pie, and a splash of Kool-Aid jammer nostalgia. The palate is light-bodied yet flavorful, carried by mouthwatering acidity and a playful, fruit-driven core. The finish is refreshingly tart, leaving you ready for the next sip.

Winemaker's Background:

Alta Marfa stands among the vanguard of Texas winemakers reshaping the state’s identity with site-specific, naturally made wines. Working from Good Vibes Vineyard and select micro-lots, they employ experimental fermentation vessels, extended macerations, and minimal-intervention techniques to reveal the nuance and vitality of Texas terroir. With small-batch bottlings like ‘Picnic,’ the team pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the Lone Star State.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled to enhance its bright fruit and lift. Perfect alongside finger sandwiches, a bowl of spicy marinara spaghetti, charcuterie, or fresh garden salads. An ideal companion for warm afternoons, relaxed gatherings, and meals enjoyed al fresco.

Bright, refreshing, and irresistibly drinkable, the 2023 Alta Marfa ‘Picnic’ Red is a celebration of Texas-grown Sangiovese at its most playful.