2021 Sbragia Family Vineyards Home Ranch Merlot

Sbragia Family Vineyards is in Geyserville. It was founded in 2001 by Ed Sbragia, a long-time Napa Valley winemaker who made wine for several decades at Beringer. Sbragia, the grandson of immigrants from Tuscany, grew up in Dry Creek Valley where is father grew Zinfandel grapes. Sbragia runs the estate with his wife and children and owns vineyards or sources grapes in Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. Sbragia makes Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.