Margins

Margins Neutral Oak Hotel Red 2023

$25.00
$25.00
Description

Margins Neutral Oak Hotel Red is a complex blend from multiple California regions, including San Benito County and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The blend includes Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre, Chenin Blanc, Négrette Rosé, and Barbera. Megan Bell of Margins Wine uses organic farming and a minimal-intervention approach, focusing on native fermentation. Each grape variety is vinified and aged separately, with Chenin Blanc aged in a concrete egg while the rest aged in neutral oak for about five months. Minimal sulfites are added at bottling to maintain purity and freshness​.

Why we like it

Expect a vibrant mix of cherries, cranberries, and spice, with floral hints and a touch of earthiness. The light-bodied structure and refreshing acidity make this wine approachable and easy to sip​.

Dry/Sweet:, Dry
Wine Type:, Red
Wine Style:, Light Body
Grapes:, Field Blend
Farming:, Organic
Vintage:, 2023
Alcohol:, 12%
Country:, United States
Region:, California
Appellation:, NA
Bottle Size:, 750ml
Sugar level:, Low Sugar, Zero Added Sugar

Food Pairing Ideas:

Neutral Oak Hotel pairs well with roast meats, meaty fish, and pasta with red sauce. Its versatility also makes it perfect for pizza night or as an aperitif, enhancing its easy-drinking appeal​.

 

Producer profile

Margins

Margins Wine is a low-intervention winemaking project founded by Megan Bell in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. The winery uses grapes from underrepresented regions and vineyards, highlighting lesser-known varietals that often don't receive widespread recognition. Margins work exclusively with organically farmed vineyards, and Bell is committed to sustainable and minimal intervention practices. She employs only minimal sulfur use, and her wines are never fined, filtered, or temperature-controlled, ensuring a natural expression of the grape and terroir​.

Megan Wine launched Margins Wine in 2016 with a modest start, producing eight barrels of Chenin Blanc through a crowdfunding campaign. Since then, the winery has grown to produce about 2,800 cases annually and features over 20 wines. Margins draw inspiration from vineyards across northern and central California, highlighting varietals and regions often overlooked by the mainstream wine industry​. Margins Wine's wines are Winen for their purity, texture, and ability to showcase the true characteristics of the grapes and land. With a focus on small-batch production and hands-off winemaking, Bell has created a cult following among natural wine enthusiasts.

Wine region

California, United States

California is a leading wine-producing state in the United States, distinguished by its diverse climates and geographical features ideal for viticulture. The state comprises several renowned wine regions with unique climatic conditions and grape varietals.


Napa Valley

Located north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions globally. This area is celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which benefits from a climate moderated by fog from San Pablo Bay. Napa Valley's diverse soils, including volcanic and sedimentary types, contribute to the robust flavors of its wines. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon, the region cultivates Merlot, Chardonnay, and other varietals, each thriving in the valley's distinct microclimates and terroirs.


Sonoma County

Adjacent to Napa Valley, Sonoma County is larger and more diverse. Its cooler climate, influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, is ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Sonoma's varied terroirs range from the cool Sonoma Coast to the warmer Sonoma Valley, offering a broad spectrum of wine styles and flavors. The region's complex soils and microclimates allow for a wide range of viticultural practices and wine expressions.


Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region is renowned for its diverse microclimates and mountainous terrain, which contribute to the production of distinctive, high-quality wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This area is also known for its pioneering spirit in sustainable and organic farming practices, making it a hub for innovative winemaking techniques.


Central Coast

Spanning from San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara County, the Central Coast includes numerous smaller AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). This extensive region benefits from a long growing season influenced by coastal breezes that moderate temperatures. Notable sub-regions include Paso Robles, known for its robust red wines like Syrah and Zinfandel, and Monterey County, where cooler climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive. The Central Coast's varied climates and soils support various grape varieties, producing diverse, high-quality wines.


Sierra Foothills

Located east of Sacramento, the Sierra Foothills rise into the Sierra Nevada mountains from the valley. This historic wine region, known for its role during the California Gold Rush, produces wines from old vine Zinfandel and increasingly notable Rhône varietals. The higher elevation results in significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and enhancing flavor complexity in the grapes. The rugged terrain and diverse soils contribute to the unique characteristics of the region's wines.


Lodi

Situated in the Central Valley, south of Sacramento, Lodi benefits from a Mediterranean climate. The region is renowned for its old vine Zinfandel, with some vines dating back to the late 19th century. Lodi's sandy soils provide excellent drainage and are resistant to phylloxera, contributing to the health and longevity of its vines. The region's warm days and cool nights are ideal for ripening a variety of grape varietals, producing rich and flavorful wines.


Mendocino County

North of Sonoma, Mendocino County boasts a cooler maritime climate and is recognized for its commitment to organic and sustainable viticulture. The region focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Anderson Valley benefits from coastal fog and cool temperatures that extend the growing season, allowing for the development of complex flavors and balanced acidity in the wines. Mendocino's varied terroirs and sustainable practices enhance its reputation for distinctive wines.

Frequently asked question

We will process and ship your order in 2-3 business days, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking as soon as the Carrier scans the shipping label.

Ground shipping time depends on location, here's a breakdown:

West Coast: 1-2 business days
Midwest: 3-4 business days
East Coast: 5 business days

Process time is not shipping time. Shipping time starts from the days successive to the day of shipping, after the order has been processed.

See here our shipping policy.

Signature on delivery is mandatory for wine deliveries. Please make sure someone is at the shipping address to sign for the package.

If applicable, please consider delivering the package to a business address to ensure someone is available to sign for the package.

We also have the option of delivering the package to a Carrier's store for pickup. Please reach out to us to coordinate.

Carrier will try to delivery a package up to three times before returning the package to us.

See here our shipping policy.

If you miss a delivery and a package gets returned to us we have two options:

1) Reship the package right away: due to the very high cost of shipping and returns, we must charge a re-shipping fee to be determined based on package size and shipping destination.

2) Consolidate the returned package with your next order: this option is free of charge and it's the most popular option.

See here our shipping policy.

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Natural wine is a type of wine made in small batches from hand-harvested organic or biodynamic grapes with minimal intervention in the cellar.
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