While labeling bottles for the Hudson Valley Wine Competition in September, I stumbled upon a wine that immediately piqued my curiosity—Whitecliff’s 2022 Non-Intervention Pinot Noir. The name itself made me pause. Non-Intervention? What exactly did that mean? How would it taste? I was eager to find out. 

As luck would have it, I also handle bottle labeling at Whitecliff, and at that very moment, their winemaker, Brad Martz, happened to walk in. Of course, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass without asking him about this intriguing wine. Now, Brad isn’t one for being on video, but I managed to nudge him a little out of his comfort zone to share some insights. (video below)

What is Non-Intervention Winemaking?


The term “Non-Intervention” in winemaking refers to a hands-off approach, allowing the natural process to unfold with minimal manipulation. In the case of Whitecliff’s 2022 Pinot Noir, this meant:

Carbonic Maceration – A fermentation technique where whole grape clusters ferment in a sealed vessel, allowing the fruit to break down naturally, leading to fresh, bright flavors.

Indigenous Yeast Fermentation – No commercial yeast was added; fermentation relied on wild yeasts on the grape skins and in the environment.

No Filtering or Fining – The wine remained in its purest form, with no additional processes to alter its texture or clarity.

Tasting the 2022 Non-Intervention Pinot Noir


Recently, I had the chance to finally taste this wine, and it did not disappoint. Here’s what stood out:

Aromatics – The nose carried a beautiful earthiness, setting the stage for the experience.

Flavors – Notes of cherry and cranberry shine through, bringing a bright and juicy character with vibrant acidity

Texture – A subtle touch of vanilla rounded out the palate, providing a soft, inviting finish.

To gain deeper insight into the philosophy and process behind this wine, check out this brief chat with Whitecliff’s winemaker, Brad Martz. I’m glad he shared his perspective on crafting this unique Pinot Noir.