Vercingetorix 2010 Pinot Gris

100% Pinot Gris Vineyard Source: Wheatland Vineyard
Harvest Dates: October 16 - 19, 2010 Average Brix at Harvest: 21.7
Alcohol: 12.9% TA: 7.6 g/L pH: 3.24 Residual Sugar: 0.9%
Release Date: August 2011
Cases Produced: 90
Price: $18 per bottle

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Winemaking: Destemmed (without crushing) into one-ton open top fermentors. Cold soaked for seven days at 50F, followed by direct inoculation of must. Punched down by hand two to three times a day during fermentation with a maximum temperature of 90F. Total extraction time of 21 days on the skins. Lots were pressed off at between 0 and 2 brix then settled for 3 days before transferring to oak barrels where primary fermentation completed. A small amount of clean lees from the settling tank were added to each barrel. Secondary fermentation occurred naturally with resident flora the following Spring. The barrels were racked once and then allowed an additional 6 months in barrel. Total barrel aging time of 12 months in 25% new French oak.

Tasting Notes: This off-dry Pinot Blanc has aromas of white peach, cucumber, almond, citrus (especially lemon or orange blossom). Upon tasting, firm acidity, clean and crisp, but finishes long and creamy mineral, flint and wet stone notes.

Food Pairings: Best as an aperitif, also with shellfish, especially oysters and crab.