Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 2 months ago

John Hagood

9.1

Cork $23? per Dave MacIntyre. Nice fragrance, with strawberry and red fruit. Touch of barnyard. Light body with raspberry, and fruit bordering on sweet. No tannin, some acid. From Wine Traditions in Falls Church, do we trust and like. NB climat se of Chablis. — 2 years ago

Sarah Norman

10

Wine traditions. Love this producer so much. — 3 years ago

with Torey

Ericsson

9.2

Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. Bosconia is a delicate wine highlighted by persistent tones of red berries and bright acidity with integrated tannins closing with medium but lingering finish.

No stainless steel here. The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to lighter toast specifications), underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — 8 months ago

John Hagood

9.0

Our erstwhile house wine, from Cork/Wine Traditions. 9/3/2024 — a year ago

David Shaw

9.2

Liberty Ciderworks, Spokane WA. 55 Chain English Style Cider. Label claims it to be “dry, tannic and fruit-forward” with Dabinett, Chisel Jersey, and Brown’s cider-specific varietals. Golden brown, excellent clarity, light carbonation, not much head on initial pour. Some oak barreling. Lightly malic with restrained aromatics. Tannic level highly complementary with a light touch on the wood extraction, thankfully. Exceedingly well crafted, great stuff. — 3 years ago

Sarah Norman

10

Wine traditions. My most favorite ever. — 4 years ago

with Torey

Ericsson

9.4

Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. In the Tondonia offering one can really appreciate the time and patience dedicated to crafting this wine. The wine evolves to a rustic yet graceful profile with strong notes of dark berries with slight oak and dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is bliss, medium bodied, fully integrated, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to medium toast specifications), stored underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — 8 months ago

Jenks

9.1

Very good for $25. Juicy orchard fruit, nice acid, pounder. — a year ago

John Hagood

8.9

From Cork / Wine Traditions ca. $20 on 11/11/2022. Band aid. Older thus mild tannins. Opens up nicely to greater fullness. — 3 years ago