Old World Winery 'Impulse' North Coast Red 2020

Press 4 Red • December 2023 Direct Press Selection

Darek Trowbridge began his viticultural training in 1987 under the wing of his uncle, Lee Martinelli—yes, the owner of Martinelli Winery. By 1993, he’d earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Viticulture from Cal Poly, followed by a Master’s in Enology from Fresno State in 1997. But what he learned was that there’s quite the difference between the natural practices his own grandfather (Lino Martinelli) had employed and the manufacturing practices the schools were teaching. So he went forth and established the aptly-named Old World Winery 25 years ago, with the intention of reestablishing those natural winemaking processes. OWW has been employing ambient yeast/wild fermentation, utilizing biodynamic practices, and thwarting chemical applications ever since. Using 120 year old field blends and rare varietals, Darek has mastered the art of letting his wines shine naturally. 

Old World Winery truly perfected this blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay. I like to think the Merlot carries the blend, and the little bit of Chardonnay lifts it. The end result is a complex medium-bodied beauty with red floral elements, blackberry tart, mulling spices, cola, and a hint of blue cheese on the nose. Vinified with whole clusters and foot-stomped in the process, Impulse was treated with a rustic, laissez-faire approach, the palate adding an appropriate touch of barnyard and old barrel notes to the profile. This wine is perfect for bringing to a friend’s house or serving with pasta or a burger. Impulse can do it all! Demi Elder