Hello everyone, I am going to speak a little bit about one of the best wine labels in the US – Littorai. I will also be touching on its creator and the genius behind one of the most progressive and Biodynamic properties in the wine world – Ted Lemon. 

The New Littorai Winery from the Vineyard

It was a beautiful perfect Monday afternoon on the drive to Littorai. We were waiting outside where Ted came out to greet us with a gentle nature and ready to take us on a educational tour of his vineyards and the philosophies of Biodynamic winemaking. He started by grabbing a pitchfork and we were off to the vineyards. He began with a strong explanation of his vineyard philosophy and by the end of the day we knew that Biodynamic farming wasn’t a process but a way of life. Biodynamic farming is about fully natural sustainability in a property that is dependent on the natural and random life forces and plant life in a specific region and property. Ted explained his ideas and vineyard practices in great detail and showed us some of the most important tools he uses in his vineyards, such as the wild flowers growing amongst the vines and his very proud naturally organic compost piles aging and waiting for their turn to nourish the land. There are many different misconceptions about Biodynamics, but one thing is certain of this philosophy: those who practice Biodynamics have great understanding of their land and grapes. You can’t make great wine without great grapes and that is a Biodynamic producer’s main goal.

Ted Lemon in the vineyard.

Learning what feeds the earth.

After an amazing tour of some of the most beautiful vineyards in Sonoma and some of the coolest (by degrees) in the state, we moved into the winery to taste the final product. We tasted through a long line of Pinot Noirs first: Sonoma Coast, Les Armes, Hirsch, Roman, Haven and One Acre. Ted’s Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from these sights, which stretch from Sonoma up to the reaches of the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. We then began tasting the Chardonnays after the red because of their brilliant acidity and clean and refreshing qualities. The wines are expressive of their specific sights, mainly because of the winemaking decisions in the cellar. All wines are produced and selected for the highest quality and from there they are all put into barrels at the same time – the same barrels, in the same amounts, for the same length of time. This is truly a commitment to the expression of these sites and shows clearly in the delicious final bottlings. 

If you ever have the pleasure and the luck to taste one of these wines is will surely be an experience you won’t forget, especially with great food. These wines are made for pairing with an entire spectrum of foods and should be enjoyed with one of your upcoming great meals – it will only enhance your experience!!!

Thanks for reading and never stop searching for amazing wine, though it is rare that one like the Littorai wines are easily found.

What makes a healthy bunch after flowering.