Teroldego 2020, Bonifacia Wines

This 2020 Teroldego pours a deep ruby with violet edges, hinting at both richness and freshness. Aromas open with black cherry, wild blackberry, and plum skin, followed by savory notes of crushed peppercorn, dried herbs, and a subtle iron-like minerality. As it opens, darker tones of cocoa nib, forest floor, and cured meat emerge, giving the wine a distinctly Northern Italian sensibility despite its California roots.

On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and beautifully structured, with juicy dark fruit framed by fine, grippy tannins and a lively streak of acidity. Flavors of sour cherry, black raspberry, and pomegranate mingle with hints of bay leaf, graphite, and earth. The finish is long and savory, echoing with spice and mineral tension. It’s a wine that rewards attention but never demands it—grounded, expressive, and quietly compelling.

The fruit comes from the Heringer family ranch in Clarksburg, California, farmed by the Heringer sons on land that has been in the family since the early 1900s. The vineyards sit in the Sacramento River Delta, where warm, sunny days are tempered by steady afternoon breezes and cool nights. Deep alluvial soils encourage balanced vine growth, while the Delta’s natural airflow helps maintain acidity and freshness in the fruit. The vineyards are certified sustainable and farmed without herbicides, with an emphasis on fostering a healthy, balanced ecosystem—resulting in grapes that express both vitality and place.

About the Winery

Bonifacia Wines is the small, thoughtful project of Anna Bassett-Lopez, founded in 2019 and shaped by a mix of scientific training, hands-on cellar work, and a clear affection for wines that value character over flash. Anna studied Food Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then found her way into wine through harvest work and cellar roles across California and abroad—including time in New Zealand—before launching her own label.

From the beginning, Bonifacia has focused on varieties that reward curiosity rather than hype. Grapes like Teroldego, Chenin Blanc, and Malbec anchor the lineup—wines chosen not for trendiness, but for their ability to express site, texture, and food-friendliness. Anna’s approach in the cellar is intentionally restrained: small lots, native yeast fermentations, minimal oak, and no fining or filtration whenever possible. The goal is clarity, not correction.

The name “Bonifacia” reflects a deeply personal connection, inspired by Anna’s late uncle Bonifacio and tied to the idea of a “lifetime created by you.” That sense of care and continuity extends to the vineyards she works with, most notably the Heringer family in Clarksburg. Farming this land since the early 1900s, the Heringer sons grow Bonifacia’s Teroldego using certified sustainable practices, without herbicides, and with an emphasis on long-term vineyard balance.

Bonifacia’s wines land in a sweet spot: grounded, expressive, and quietly distinctive. They’re bottles made for the table, not the pedestal—proof that restraint, intention, and good farming can speak volumes without raising their voice.