Nestled among the picturesque vineyards of Mendocino County lies a hidden gem that embodies the essence of artisanal organic winemaking: Ettore Wine.

About Ettore Wines

The story of Ettore Wines is one of dedication, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. Founded by winemaker Ettore Biraghi, the winery is a testament to his relentless pursuit to craft fresh, aromatic organic wines.

Though he was born in Italy, he initiated his career in wine in 2005 as an agronomist with a winegrower in the Ticino Canton of Mendrisiotto, Switzerland—just across the Alps from Lugano, Italy. In 2008, he and his business partner Fabio Bruni, founded Tenuta Agricola Luigina winery in Stabio, Switzerland. There, he meticulously tending to 2.5 hectares of vineyards of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier. He released his first wine for that project in 2010.

In 2015 while visiting vineyards in California, Ettore discovers the tiny town of Hopland in Mendocino’s Sanel Valley. Captivated the area’s warm, wild microclimate and its potential to ripen and produce expressive organic wines of outstanding quality, he ultimately established an 35 acre estate vineyard on the western benchlands of the small coastal valley. It is planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay planted on mostly gravely, benchland loamy soils ranging from 500-600 feet elevation.

In 2019, Ettore unveiled its inaugural collection of organic, terroir-driven Chardonnay and Merlot wines, showcasing the distinctive character and quality of the region’s grapes.

Disclosure: This wine was provided as a media sample. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.

2019 Ettore Merlot Zero

I had the opportunity to sample one of the standout offerings from inaugural release, the 2019 Ettore Merlot Zero—a wine that exemplifies the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Crafted from 100% Merlot grapes sourced its meticulously farmed organic estate vineyard, the Merlot Zero is a testament to the potential of this often underappreciated varietal.

What sets the 2019 Ettore Merlot Zero apart is Ettore’s unique approach to winemaking. True to its name, the Merlot Zero is crafted with zero added sulfites—a rarity in the world of winemaking. This wine is made using the Purovino® method, an innovative technique that not only preserves the natural flavors and freshness of the wine but also makes it suitable for those with sensitivities to sulfites.

The absence of added sulfites allows this wine to be labeled as “organic wine” rather than “wine made from organic grapes.”

The wine pours medium ruby color with enticing dried blackberry, black cherry, plum, violet, loam and licorice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with very fresh, juicy acidity and chalky tannins with ripe blackberry, black cherry, plum and black currant flavors with an appealing savory undertone. Raised in stainless steel 14.2% abv| SRP – $35|89pts

I thoroughly enjoyed this on its own, but its freshness makes it a very food friendly wine.

Cheers!