 Tasting Notes
Viognier is a white wine in a category of its own. It is a light wine with distinct aromas of a dusty floral nature, a delicate air of perfume and hints of fresh spices. Our Viognier is not a big or forceful wine. In fact, it is rather restrained throughout and is the lightest bodied wine which we make. The flavor balance is just right; crisp, yet fruity. This wine is a pure representation of the grape from which it came; an elegant, delicate, romantic wine for real wine lovers. Very rarely do I get the chance to make and enjoy such a beautiful and harmonious wine.
Larry Langbehn, Winemaker
The Vineyards
Rhone varietals are generally associated with every hardy vines. Viognier vines are no exception to this rule. The finished wine's aromas and character are sensitive to the time the grapes are on the vine, light exposure, and crop load. The grapes require a great deal of time on the vine to develop their unique aroma. Either too much crop or too much light will reduce the aroma. Thoughtful viticultural practices are essential with this varietal fro ti to excel. We practice the utmost patience with Viognier in the vineyards.
Winemaking
The consistency of the skins and the interior of our Viognier grapes require whole cluster pressing. Once pressed, the berries are de-stemmed and then run through tight crushing rollers to help extract their juice; with these proactive processing measures, juice yield is generally very low. Approximately 40% of teh wine is fermented in oak barrels to assist in flavor and texture development; the balance is fermented in stainless stell to preserve a delicate fruit character.
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