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Sage Rat Carbonic Nebbiolo

$28.00

Horse Heaven Hills > Columbia Valley > Washington

Nebbiolo, 2025

We’ve been a big fan of Dusty and Whitney’s wines for a hot minute. Here in WA State, it’s rare to find a producer focusing on Italian grapes, but they do just that! Working with varieties like Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Sangiovese fit stylistically with the wines they wanted to make: lighter body, higher acid, fresh style wines, and it turns out - there are vineyards such as Coyote Canyon within a few hours drive. The Nebbiolo fruit was hand harvested, and half was added to tank whole cluster, the other half destemmed and crushed over to generate the anaerobic environment to kick-start carbonic maceration. The result is a fresh and fruity style using an unconventional grape. Drink chilled.

Horse Heaven Hills > Columbia Valley > Washington

Nebbiolo, 2025

We’ve been a big fan of Dusty and Whitney’s wines for a hot minute. Here in WA State, it’s rare to find a producer focusing on Italian grapes, but they do just that! Working with varieties like Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Sangiovese fit stylistically with the wines they wanted to make: lighter body, higher acid, fresh style wines, and it turns out - there are vineyards such as Coyote Canyon within a few hours drive. The Nebbiolo fruit was hand harvested, and half was added to tank whole cluster, the other half destemmed and crushed over to generate the anaerobic environment to kick-start carbonic maceration. The result is a fresh and fruity style using an unconventional grape. Drink chilled.

Grape: 100% Nebbiolo

ABV: 12.5%

The Story: Dusty was born and raised in the heart of Washington's grape country, the Yakima Valley. For over 15 years, he has been wine-making in the Pacific Northwest including harvest experiences at Seven Hills and Antica Terra, and is currently the head winemaker at family-owned Gilbert Cellars. His commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention has resulted in approachable wines utilizing unexpected varietals that reflect the unique characteristics of the Yakima Valley. Whitney was born and raised and has lived all over the great state of Washington. With over 12 years of hands-on work experience on small organic farms, she developed a deep appreciation for the land and its produce. She has recently transitioned from the field to the office, handling administrative and bookkeeping roles for several farmers, non-profits, and a small winery, as well as for Sage Rat. Dusty and Whitney currently live among the valley vineyards on their small farm with their tiny fox-dog, Tink and their gang of barn cats. Sage Rat is their true pet project.

Personality: This light bodied red is the ultimate summer red. A nose of dark cherry and black tea is followed by a bright palate of cranberry and orange rind.

Harmony: Versatile as a pairing wine, it’ll complement the likes of pizza on the patio, as well as roasted chicken with herbed potatoes.