Alexander Valley
$28 (Wine Club Reorder $25)
Founded in 2012, Eco Terreno Wines is an authentic reflection of place, representing a vineyard truly committed to its land and environment. With focused care and a joy of farming, Eco Terreno Wines represents the intrinsic flavors of Alexander Valley and the benefits of their biodynamic estate grown grapes. They are committed to conscientiously making exceptional wines that connect people to the land, each other, and the celebration that follows.
Founder and winemaker, Mark Lyon, has been crafting wines for over 30 years, bringing passion and dedication to each vintage from 100% estate grown grapes. Mark’s respected winemaking techniques bridge “Old World” and “New World” traditions while highlighting biodynamic farming methods. Mark received a B.S. of Fermentation Science from UC Davis and the very next year was hired by Sebastiani Vineyards to assist with production. Mark’s successes were notable during his time at Sebastiani Vineyards. The inaugural 1999 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, from Eco Terreno Vineyards, was the first Sebastiani wine to be in the “Top 100 Wines of the Year” and on the cover of Wine Spectator Magazine. He was also named “Winemaker of the Year” by Restaurant Wine Magazine in 2004.
Biodynamic is a farming method developed in the 1920’s as a response to chemical agriculture. Founded by scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, ancient practices were married with an understanding of chemistry and physiology of plants to create a system that treats the farm as a whole – an individual, living organism. The goal is to establish healthy farms growing healthy foods to create healthy communities, both human and wild. Eco Terreno is so dedicated to being caretakers of the land that the name translates to, “Ecology of the Land” in Spanish. The dedication is demonstrated by farming organically and biodynamically to create regenerative systems that build a nourishing, natural wine farm.
The 2018 Cuvee Tierra Red Blend has an inviting nose of black cherry, mocha, and earth. The palate offers bountiful notes of crushed red and black cherries, espresso, and cranberry, balanced by hints of dried herbs and baking spices. The finish lingers and grows, echoing flavors of black fruits and spice. Rated Best in Class with 98 points by 2021 North Coast Wine Challenge. 46% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot.
Jennie Kaplan Woodson – July 2021
Bacchus & Venus Wines 