Forlorn Hope Baron Von Verm Vermentino

Vermentino

Sierra Foothills, California

Winemaker Matthew Rorick has been the winemaker behind the Forlorn Hope wines since the inception of the label in 2005 and tends 75 acres of organically farmed grapevines at Rorick Heritage Vineyard. Matthew is one of the leading California winemakers practicing non/low-intervention winemaking.

Located in Calaveras County, just outside of the town of Murphys in the Sierra Foothills, the site was first ranched by the Shaw family in 1844. The property was purchased by Barden Stevenot in the 1960s; he became the godfather of the modern Calaveras County winegrowers. Barden eventually expanded the vineyard to its current 75 acres in 2000; Matthew Rorick purchased the property in 2013 and converted the farming to organic practices. At an elevation of 2000′, it is situated on limestone soils beneath a top layer of schist. The alpine growing season combined with limestone soils leave an indelible mark on the wines grown at RHV: beautiful aromatics, textural presence, and bright natural acidity are all hallmarks of the site.  His wines may be made from unusual varietals, but each is exquisitely crafted with fierce thought and care. These are genuine, small production wines with huge spirit and character.