Maître de Chai Red, Clements Hills, California

Early aromas rise with a lifted, juicy brightness as 2024 Maitre de Chai Red reveals itself as a wine crafted for the everyday table, vibrant, light-bodied, and joyfully uncomplicated. Its energy is immediate and welcoming, shaped by historic Lodi vineyards and thoughtful, minimalist winemaking that preserves purity and freshness.

Product Details:

• Winemakers/ Owners: Marty Winters & Alex Pitts
• Grapes: Zinfandel, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan (including vines 100+ years old)
• ABV: 12.8%
• Fermentation: Open-top wooden tank
• Aging: Aged in the same 1,000-gallon wooden tank
• Farming: Sourced from historic, sustainably farmed vineyards

Sensory Description:

The palate bursts with juicy, high-toned fruit, fresh black cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, woven with plum skin, sage, and a playful hint of sarsaparilla. Light-bodied yet expressive, the wine moves with effortless verve, lifted acidity, and soft tannins that keep it irresistibly drinkable. Its texture is supple and energetic, delivering a mouthwatering finish that lingers with red fruit brightness and gentle herbal nuance.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 2012 by longtime friends and chefs-turned-winemakers Marty Winters and Alex Pitts, Maître de Chai is guided by the principle that great wines begin with exceptional vineyard sites and patient, minimal intervention in the cellar. Sourcing from historic, impeccably farmed California vineyards, including legendary parcels in Lodi and Contra Costa County, they seek to bottle wines that speak clearly of their origins. Marty and Alex work closely as cellar masters, tasting and waiting as wines evolve naturally. Behind them, Stephanie Pitts supports the estate’s operations, helping shepherd each vintage from vineyard to bottle. Rooted in craftsmanship, humility, and respect for place, the team has earned a loyal following for wines that balance character, value, and authenticity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled to emphasize its vibrancy and crunch. This light, juicy red is built for the casual dinner table, ideal with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, sausages, tomato-based pastas, or simple weeknight fare. Its acidity and freshness make it equally at home alongside charcuterie, grain bowls, or anything from the summer grill. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it’s the bottle you open “because it’s Tuesday.”

Bright, nimble, and wonderfully food-friendly, 2024 Maitre de Chai Red embodies the winery’s belief that wine is a nightly condiment, meant to be shared, enjoyed, and poured generously.