GOLD MEDAL (92 points), Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition
Winemaker Notes:
I believe we have
managed to embrace the characteristics of this ancient variety with very soft
unassuming nuances of peach, pineapple, pears, and some melons. With the fruit aspects are some lovely herbal
and spice notes, almost peppery, that too are soft and gentle. The palate carries this forward with a clean,
creamy finish with the fruit and herbs, yet still maintains the brightness the
variety is known for.
Vintage:
Starting with a mild winter we rolled into an early spring. In late March we started seeing temps in the
70’s with just a few cooler days to follow.
The spring conditions led to excellent fruit set and ultimately a
bountiful crop. The summer, for
Virginia, was very mild with only a few days of hot humid conditions. The Autumn was particularly dry with warm
days and cool nights. From mid-September to early October we experienced very
little rain which is invaluable for maturing grapes. I believe the 2019 vintage to be the best I
have experienced in Virginia for my tenure here.
Blend
100% Rkatsiteli
Harvest
The grapes were harvested on 26 September 2019 at 19.5 Brix,
3.70 pH and 4.77g/L TA.
Vineyard Source:
Horton Vineyards, Gordonsville, VA
Fermentation
The Gordonsville grapes fermented for 12 days in stainless
steel with Fermavin F49 Yeast
Aging
Stainless steel tanks.
Bottling Date
01 July 2020 – 307 cases
Release Date
Technical
Information
12.3% Alc
3.45 pH
8.01 g/L TA
0.075% RS (dry)
