Onward Wines 'Little Darlin'' Pét-Nat, Capp Inn Ranch, Suisun Valley, CA 2023

Onward ‘Little Darlin’ Pét-Nat, California 2023

Onward Wines, founded by Faith Armstrong Foster, is known for playful, thoughtful expressions of California vineyards. “Little Darlin’” is a unique cellar experiment born from skin-fermented Malvasia Bianca, foot-trodden and finished fermenting in bottle as a pétillant naturel. The wine’s name and label honor Faith’s daughter Chloe—an artist and cellar helper—who inspired this “wild child” cuvée.

• WINEMAKER: Faith Armstrong Foster.

• FARMING: Sustainably grown vineyards; no additives or flavorings.

• VARIETY: Predominantly Malvasia Bianca with complexity gained from Pinot Noir skins.

• TERROIR: California—diverse vineyard sources selected for aromatic intensity and freshness.

• VINIFICATION: Began as unpressed, still-fermenting Malvasia Bianca must (from the 2022 Skin Fermented lot). Filtered water added to remaining must, foot-trodden by hand. After primary fermentation, the wine was pressed over Pinot Noir skins for added color and aromatics. A small amount of fermenting Malvasia was blended back into the wine before bottling, allowing fermentation to finish in bottle, creating natural bubbles (Pét-Nat).

• AGING: Bottled sur lie, unfiltered; no fining or additives.

• TASTING NOTES: Bursting with tart freshness—wild raspberry, cranberry, and cara cara orange—lifted by kumquat zest and a hint of white Stilton. Playful, juicy, and lightly rebellious, with pétillant sparkle and a refreshing, untamed finish.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Picnic fare, charcuterie, fresh chèvre, fried chicken, or citrus-dressed salads.