 2009 Vintage
Sierra Madre Vineyard,
Santa Maria Valley
This is the first year that we have made our Pinot
Gris from grapes grown in Doug Circle’s Sierra
Madre Vineyard, which is in the cool, Santa Maria Valley
American Viticultural Area. We are more than pleased
with the outcome. The grapes were harvested on September
1, 2009 when they were optimally ripe (Brix 23.7 and
pH of 3.29). They were destemmed and cold soaked for
6 hours to capture as much varietal character as possible,
after which the grapes were pressed and the chilled
must was allowed to settle. After racking, the juice
was inoculated with an Alsatian strain of yeast to
enhance the fragrance, flavor and texture of the resultant
wine. Cold fermentation in stainless steel proceeded
over the course of several weeks, thereby preserving
the wine’s fruity character (exotic tropical
hints of grapefruit and melon). Malolactic fermentation
was prevented while the wine was held in stainless
steel sur lies for 9 months to further integrate the
complex flavors and produce the rich texture that is
one of the signatures of Alsatian-style Pinot Gris.
It was bottled on June 21, 2010 after being cold and
protein stabilized.
The wine is full flavored with
lots of bright acidity and minerality. These characteristics
make it a perfect complement to shell fish and other
seafoods, as well as lighter meats, such as chicken
and veal. It has the ‘authority’ to pair
well with rich white sauces and even those that are
quite spicy. Best drunk at approximately 50ºF.
152 cases produced
Please
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