Journalist Elizabeth Smith wrote an article after her visit to the “Del Barba Ranch” and its “Louie’s Block” in Oakley. She spoke with Tom and Frank Del Barba, Julian Erggelet, and Matt Parish for this exploration of an old-vine Contra Costa site.
Wine Bulletin
“Contra Costa’s ‘Del Barba Ranch’ and ‘Louie’s Block’: Quest for Survival”
by Elizabeth Smith
December 16, 2021
"…The ‘Del Barba Ranch’ and its 12-acre block of Carignane, Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre or Monastrell), and Zinfandel…dates to the late 1800s, around the time first-generation immigrant Venanzio Del Barba departed Lucca, Italy, and settled in Oakley. After working on the railroad and as a farmer for a few years, he opened a general store, then purchased the ranch vineyards on Rose Avenue with the income from these endeavors. The Del Barba family likened the area’s Mediterranean climate and influence of bodies of water like the nearby San Joaquin River and San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun Bays to Lucca. ‘I check the weather in Lucca nearly every day and it is almost identical to Oakley,’ said [fourth-generation wine grape farmer Tom] Del Barba.
"…Tom Del Barba took me on a tour of his family’s ranch. He led me to these 12 precious acres of approximately four each of Mataro, Carignane, and Zinfandel. In this pristine block, which is lovingly nicknamed ‘Louie’s Block’ after Del Barba’s Uncle Louie, who died in 2010, the vines are multiclonal and own-rooted, not grafted, which means they grew from vine cuttings and established their own roots. ‘The depth of the tap roots are at least 10 feet through many shades of calcium,’ said [vineyard consultant Julian] Erggelet.
“…It is the Del Barba family’s impeccable and consistent multigenerational farming that has made ‘Louie’s Block’ the centerpiece of the ranch and one of Contra Costa County’s best. ‘This original parcel of centennial vines is strong and healthy because of the farming integrity of the caretakers, the Del Barbas. They have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and perseverance throughout the generations,’ said Erggelet.”
"…Several years ago, [winemaker Matt] Parish tasted a wine made from ‘Del Barba Ranch’ fruit. It made such an impact that he soon met with Tom Del Barba, and the two decided to work together. Both the fruit quality and the history inspired him to make two wines, his Rosé of Carignan and Mourvèdre and ‘Louie’s Block’ Old Vine Zinfandel.
"…Parish is the only winemaker sourcing and making a wine from ‘Louie’s Block’s’ four acres of Zinfandel. The berries have a complex vertical profile due to the vigor-reduced, small-bush, and head-trained vines that produce a lower yield, but more intensity. ‘Selecting the “Del Barba Ranch” was simple. Here you have a 130-year-old block planted in well-suited sandy soils that has been impeccably farmed by the same family for four generations. This enables me to make a floral and refreshing rosé in the targeted Provence style and a decadent Zinfandel that is rich, dark, and textured,’ said Parish.
"…Since 2016, Erggelet and his brother, Sebastian, have been making a small-production Carignane from ‘Louie’s Block’ under their Erggelet Brothers label.
“…Fred Del Barba, who is 86-years-old, still works daily in the vineyard alongside Tom. As we discussed the urbanization of Contra Costa, the two shared an exchange about looking towards the city of Antioch’s rooftops a few decades ago. Tom asked, ‘The houses are coming. How much longer will we be here?’ Fred replied, ‘I’ll be dead by then.’ When I asked how they have managed to withstand the citification of Oakley, Tom replied, ‘If we are making a living, we don’t need to sell. The natives and longtime residents would rather see vineyards than more shopping centers or houses.’ The magnificent vines of ‘Louie’s Block’ owe their continued existence to the Del Barba family’s stewardship of the land and the preservation efforts of Parish, Erggelet, and others…”.
To my understanding, Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon bottled two Contra Costa red wines bearing the name “Louie” on the label:
Cork Hoarder
“Bonny Doon 2000 ‘Empire Vyd/Louie Vyd/Laurel Vyd’ Zinfandel”
December 12, 2011
The Gourmez
“Randall Grahm’s Uncle Louie Vineyard Zinfandel 2013”
June 26, 2015
The Del Barba family owns multiple vineyards, and farms others, including:
• SW corner of Main St and Rose Ave, Oakley, CA;
• 4631 Rose Ave, Oakley (9.8 acres);
• 4351 Rose Ave, Oakley;
• ~800 Laurel Rd, Oakley (23.14 acres);
• “Oakley Road Vyd” (farmed).
Some information was shared about the Del Barba properties on this earlier thread post.
Another thread post, focusing on the work of the Erggelet brothers, provides additional details on specific Del Barba family vineyards.
Naked Wines’ profile of Matt Parish:
https://us.nakedwines.com/producers/matt-parish
Erggelet Wine website:
https://www.erggeletwine.com