Catch & Release is a small Sonoma project built on a single idea: that the most interesting California wines can also be the gentlest.
Backstory
The label is a partnership between Monica Varriale and Beno Stewart, who make their wines by hand in Sonoma, California. They work mostly with growers who farm organically and biodynamically, and have begun taking on the farming of some of the sites they source from.
The Region
The wines are made in Sonoma, California, from fruit grown across organic and biodynamic vineyards in the surrounding region.
Vineyards and Farming
All the fruit is sourced from organic or biodynamic sites, in partnership with growers focused on regenerative farming. The pair are increasingly hands-on in the vineyards themselves.
Winemaking
The approach is low intervention throughout: native-yeast fermentations, gentle pressing, less extraction, no fining or filtering, and minimal sulfur. The guiding philosophy is that less is more, aiming for delicacy, acidity and vitality.
The Wines
The lineup is varied and playful, including sparkling Albarino, Chardonnay, a Pinot Gris-Gewurztraminer-Riesling field blend, Gamay, Syrah and Grenache, with named cuvees such as Swim Good, Fair Trade, Block Party and Supernova.
