Team C&J
Josh Hammering of Hammerling Wines may be known for his California sparkling wines, but this Berkeley winemaker also crafts a small selection of still wines from some of the Central Coast’s most beloved vineyards. As one of California’s up-and-coming natural wine producers, his experiments in both still and sparkling wines are captivating wine lovers who are lucky enough to discover this under-the-radar wine brand.
The 2022 Hammerling “Point Break” White Table Wine was an unexpected find for us, but one we are so happy to have found. Join us as we explore this exciting new winemaker.
Hammerling Wines are a favorite in the natural wine scene, and when you learn that winemaker Josh Hammerling was the assistant winemaker at both Donkey & Goat and Broc Cellars – at the same time nonetheless, you begin to understand the level of quality we’re talking about.
Josh built a name for himself by producing crowd-friendly sparkling wines; there are currently thirteen sparkling wines and nine still wines in the Hammerling portfolio. As he continues expanding the lineup of wines, Josh plans to increase the number of still wines rather than doubling down on the bubbles. The winery currently produces 5,000 cases of wine, but the brand aims to increase that number to 8,000 cases within a few years.
A fun fact about this brand: Hammerling’s easy-drinking but adventurous “Point Break” White Table Wine is an ode to the 1991 surf movie Point Break, starring Patrick Swayze.
The Hammerling “Point Break” white wine aside, the brand’s portfolio is full of cool gems. Most sippers who love champagne are familiar with sparkling wines made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, but what most may not know is that any grape can be used to make sparkling wine.
As you browse through the Hammerling wine portfolio, you will find California sparkling wines made with Gamay, Pinot Gris, Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, and even Riesling!
The grapes from the Siletto Family Vineyards are some of the most in-demand fruit in California. If the name Siletto Family Vineyards is new to you, here’s what you need to know.
Stiletto Family Vineyards, located in Paicines, California (San Benito County), is one of the most unique vineyard sites in California, or perhaps anywhere in the United States. Founded in 1986 by Ronald Siletto, an Italian immigrant and former President of Almaden Vineyards.
Ronald’s vision for grape growing in California is extraordinary. Most wineries and grape growers only focus on a handful of varieties. In places like Napa Valley or Sonoma County, this often means Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a few other varieties. And this is what’s so interesting about Siletto: at its peak, there were 40 grape varieties grown across six ranches spanning 172 acres!
Today, Ronald’s son, John Siletto, has pared things back just a bit. The vineyard now farms 30 varieties across four ranches spanning 100 acres. We’re talking off-the-beaten-path varieties like Rondinella, Frappato, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Falanghina, Greco, Mencia, and Aligoté – just to name a few.
When it comes to Hammerling Wines, Josh sources the Siletto Roussanne and Grenache Blanc that were used to make the Point Break White Table Wine.
Crystal-clear and lemon-bright, the 2020 Point Break White has a nose that bursts with zesty lemon, juicy melon, and a hint of seaside salinity. The dry palate echoes the citrus and melon, layered with subtle minerality and a touch of creamy richness. This medium-bodied, natural white wine has a lively acidity and a long, refreshing finish. This wine has the kind of palate that makes it perfect for pairing with seafood or salads or simply savoring on its own on a quiet night.
The Hammerling Wines tasting room is located in Berkeley’s trendy Gilman District. Coincidently, Josh’s tasting room is right next to Donkey & Goat, where he honed his love of natural wine. We recommend you plan your visit on the first Friday of every month when the Gilman District wineries throw a block party complete with food trucks!
As we’ve delved into the remarkable world of Hammerling Wines, we’ve only scratched the surface of what Josh and his team have to offer. It’s clear that with the dynamic selection of still and sparkling wines, this boutique winery is not just keeping pace with the trend toward natural wines but setting a new standard for others to follow.
We encourage you to give this wine a try and let us know what you think!
USA
San Benito County
White Blend
12.6
Josh Hammerling
49–55°F / 9–12°C
Chardonnay
Not Needed
Now
Hammerling Wines
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