Alma Fria Stolo Vineyard Syrah SLO Coast 2023

Alma Fria is a classic example of the inner workings of the wine industry: friends coming together to create something magical. Jan Holtermann and Carroll Kemp both had kids attending the same kindergarten. With an interest in the future of their families, which of course included sustainability and agriculture, the two formed a fast friendship as well as a work relationship. After decades of running his family’s beverage distribution company, selling the business, and moving to Northern California with his young family, Jan dreamed of starting a small winery. He did not hesitate to bring Carroll into the mix, and the two began tasting wines and searching for vineyards together.

The name Alma Fria, which translates to “cold soul,” represents the winery’s affection for cooler-climate wines and a sense of tradition: the soul of a family, the cold of geography. Early in the stages of Alma Fria, they had purchased and begun work on the Holtermann Vineyard, a property just outside Annapolis and Sea Ranch, off the coast of California. This site is where Jan and Carroll met Greg Adams, who had been farming on the Sonoma Coast for decades. With his understanding of growing fruit in this cool climate off the Pacific, which takes conviction and dedication, and with Jan and Carroll’s understanding of the importance of personal relationships and of the relationship to the land, the soulful journey began.

Now, almost 15 years later, Carroll and Jan find themselves journeying to new regions, thrilled to explore new coastal zones and capture the essence of the natural systems and winegrowing along the edge of the land and sea. Their explorations brought them to Stolo Vineyards, just three miles from the Pacific, in one of California’s newest crowned sub-AVAs, SLO Coast. The proximity to the ocean affords the tiny footprint of vineyards a long, cool growing season; in fact, it’s the coolest in California. Stolo Vineyards was planted in 2002 by the Stolo family and in 2022, was purchased by Rajat Parr, joining his collective of vineyards focused on biodiverse, sustainable farming throughout California. Raj uses regenerative and biodynamic practices on these 4.2 acres, a major selling point for Carroll and Jan. Additionally, the property rarely exceeds 80 degrees, making it truly cold-climate and true to the Alma Fria ethos.

The Syrah is reminiscent of the classics crafted in the Rhône valley with low alcohol and age-worthy potential. 20% of the grape clusters remained on the stem for fermentation with wild, native yeast. Aging took place in 100% neutral French oak barrels, and only 171 cases were produced. Carroll’s tasting notes highlight “aromas of black pepper, sage, juniper and subtle notes of olive tapenade. Bright and light-bodied, its fruit hints at elderberry and black raspberry that has been mixed with anise in a leather bota.”