Vercingetorix Pinot Blanc 2009

Vineyard Source: Helmick Hill Vineyard
Blend Components: 96% Pinot Blanc – 4% Pinot Gris
Release Date: May 2010
150 Cases Produced: $18.00 per bottle.
Harvest Date: October 12, 2009 Brix at Harvest:23.4
Alcohol: 13.2% TA: 8.2g/L PH: 3.17 Residual Sugar: 0.9%
Availability  Purchase

Winemaking: The fruit was run through a crusher/destemmer into two-ton open top fermentors. Cold soaked for 6 days at 50F, followed by yeast inoculation. Hand punched down daily for 18 days for full extraction. The resultant must was pressed and then allowed settle down before being transferred into French oak barrels for aging. Secondary fermentation occurred without inoculation during early February of 2006.

Tasting Notes: This off-dry Pinot Blanc has aromas of Asian pear, quince and orange zest. Upon tasting, traditional flavors of crisp green apple and citrus meld nicely with lemon custard, hazelnut and vanilla notes. Picked during a much warmer harvest than the last two years, this Pinot Blanc is rounder and riper than previous vintages, with a rich mouthfeel and a lingering, almost creamy finish.

Food Pairings: Grilled fish, particularly halibut and sturgeon. Shellfish, especially oysters on the half shell and crab. For vegetables, artichokes and asparagus.