-The 2009 growing season was ideal with dry, warm weather and lots of sunshine.
-The weather was not too hot, which allowed grapes to retain their natural acidity.
-The 2009 whites have fruit forward flavors and plenty of natural acid.
VINEYARDS
-Eroica begins in the vineyard with Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau collaborating on site selection, irrigation management, crop levels and canopy management. They work with vineyard managers to adjust yields and manage fruit exposure to prolong the ripening season for added flavor development of these cooler climate vineyards.
-Evergreen Vineyard, near the town of George, Washington, provided nearly 80% of the 2009 blend and contributes crisp lime and delicate peach flavors to the wine.
-Vineyards in the cooler Yakima Valley also contributed to the blend providing amazing acidity and minerality.
-Viewcrest is the pinnacle of these vineyards, making the blend year after year.
WINEMAKING
-To protect flavor intensity, grapes were harvested at night when the vineyard temperatures were coldest.
-Berries went direct to press, avoiding the possible loss of freshness caused by a crusher/destemmer.
-A cool fermentation created a seamless integration of fruit, sugar and acid. Fruit-driven yeasts with slower fermentation rates were used to slow down fermentation and heighten fruit flavors.
-Ernst Loosen and Bob Bertheau considered dozens of small lots, each reflecting a slight difference in character depending on where the grapes were grown, resulting in the complexity of the final blend.
Eroica 2009
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen
Variety: Riesling
Rating: 3
-The 2009 growing season was ideal with dry, warm weather and lots of sunshine.
-The weather was not too hot, which allowed grapes to retain their natural acidity.
-The 2009 whites have fruit forward flavors and plenty of natural acid.
VINEYARDS
-Eroica begins in the vineyard with Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau collaborating on site selection, irrigation management, crop levels and canopy management. They work with vineyard managers to adjust yields and manage fruit exposure to prolong the ripening season for added flavor development of these cooler climate vineyards.
-Evergreen Vineyard, near the town of George, Washington, provided nearly 80% of the 2009 blend and contributes crisp lime and delicate peach flavors to the wine.
-Vineyards in the cooler Yakima Valley also contributed to the blend providing amazing acidity and minerality.
-Viewcrest is the pinnacle of these vineyards, making the blend year after year.
WINEMAKING
-To protect flavor intensity, grapes were harvested at night when the vineyard temperatures were coldest.
-Berries went direct to press, avoiding the possible loss of freshness caused by a crusher/destemmer.
-A cool fermentation created a seamless integration of fruit, sugar and acid. Fruit-driven yeasts with slower fermentation rates were used to slow down fermentation and heighten fruit flavors.
-Ernst Loosen and Bob Bertheau considered dozens of small lots, each reflecting a slight difference in character depending on where the grapes were grown, resulting in the complexity of the final blend.
Posted by csuemnicht on February 23rd, 2012 at 6:42am | report comment