Terra Mista
by Zach Watkins
Terra Mista is a Super Tuscan-inspired red wine, crafted from a single vineyard in Napa Valley, through the collaboration of three generations of Gallo winemakers. The wine is savory with culinary herbs, the fresh fruit is framed by smooth tannins and balanced acidity.
Specs
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Sangiovese (9%), Montepulciano (6%), Nebbiolo (4%)
Source: McKinley Road Vineyard, Napa Valley
ABV: 14.4%
Acidity: 6.6 g/L
Bottles Produced: 780
Winemaking: The critical, and defining technique used when crafting Terra Mista was to pick all the varieties at the same time, and co-ferment all together. This is inspired by some of the older “field blend” traditions used in Italian vineyards and can create incredibly unique and complex wines. This is where my artistic expression plays a pivotal role. Each variety ripens at a different rate, and so determining when to harvest is quite tricky. If done well, the resulting expression is incredible.
The wine was co-fermented in a single open top tank; matured for 17 months in 30% new French oak
Zach Watkins
In Zach's words
“I hail from Temecula, down in southern California. I grew up very much immersed in soccer, ranging from playing serious club to refereeing at many different levels. Beyond the sport, I was obsessed with the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. I craved these experiences whenever we didn’t have some soccer commitment."
"My father had his own contracting business where he was the only employee, so my brother and I spent a lot of summers working for him. I got my desire to craft from him – he was a very precise craftsman and one of the smartest men I’ve ever met. He always showed a desire to be better and placed a lot of value on ‘if you’re going to do it, do it right’. These foundational perspectives and experiences heavily influenced my sense of self. I still remember discussing the intricacies of quantum mechanics with him at the dinner table as a young lad. He’s probably why I was so interested in philosophy. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was in high school. It is to his memory I dedicate my craft.
I was always really interested in fermentation and its products, specifically cider, mead, sour mash spirits, and beer. When I found myself studying these topics instead of some of my coursework, I knew I needed to change my focus. As I was going to college in a wine region (Cal Poly), it seemed like a good first step into the industry of fermentation. After working my first harvest in the vineyards and being introduced into the world of wine I haven’t looked back.”
Chad Wys on Zach Watkins
“My artwork is inspired by Zach’s adventurous spirit, passion for travel and history, and love for Italian wine culture. Foremost, I wanted to create a ‘portrait’ that reflects his personality and his vision for the wine. I used the Romanesque bust as a symbol of the winemaker's admiration for the history and culture of Italy. I used colorful paint strokes to convey the energy and excitement of the wine making process, as well as the contrast between the old and the new. I collaged geometric shapes to create a sense of stability, a reference to the balance and harmony of the wine's complex profile.
The name, Terra Mista ("mixed earth"), which refers to the blend of grape varietals that provide its unique characteristics, is also embodied in the mixed-media nature of the composition. I hope the artwork invites the viewer to discover the story behind the wine, and to enjoy its savory flavors and aromas!”
Label Art
Chad Wys on Zach Watkins
“My artwork is inspired by Zach’s adventurous spirit, passion for travel and history, and love for Italian wine culture. Foremost, I wanted to create a ‘portrait’ that reflects his personality and his vision for the wine. I used the Romanesque bust as a symbol of the winemaker's admiration for the history and culture of Italy. I used colorful paint strokes to convey the energy and excitement of the wine making process, as well as the contrast between the old and the new. I collaged geometric shapes to create a sense of stability, a reference to the balance and harmony of the wine's complex profile.
The name, Terra Mista ("mixed earth"), which refers to the blend of grape varietals that provide its unique characteristics, is also embodied in the mixed-media nature of the composition. I hope the artwork invites the viewer to discover the story behind the wine, and to enjoy its savory flavors and aromas!”