Edaphos Barbed Oak Vineyard Aligote 2017

Todd Gottula and Erin Brooks of Ernest Vineyards also own and operate a third label: Edaphos (pronounced ee-dah-fos) which means “base,” “ground,” and “soil” in Greek; they felt it was a good expression of their attitude behind this winemaking. They consider this part of their business to be their “laboratory,” the place where they make small-lot wines that incorporate new and exciting approaches to winemaking with different styles and off-beat grape varietals. Sometimes they also call it their “sandbox.” The Edaphos strategy enables them to explore, experiment, and apply some of the lessons they learn to wines they make under their other labels. It also allows them to produce different wines whenever they feel like making them.