Description

The grapes are chilled to 37 degrees F. The bunches are sorted on a conveyor, destemmed and crushed. All transfers of grape must and juice in these early stagesare attained using gravity. Selected parcels of the grapes undergo a period of skin contact, at 46 degrees F to impart favorable skin flavors. After a gentle pressing, the juice left to settle for a period of 72 hours at 35 degrees F. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks continues at 54 degrees F, until the wine is dry. The 6% Sauvignon Blanc is fermented on natural yeasts and matured for 3 months in 100% new French oak and btonnage (lees stirring) practiced fortnightly. The SB 316 & 317 clones are originally sourced from Bordeaux in France. All these clones are able to handle barrel fermentation or maturation in barrel. They lend themselves to more classic complex wines with great length. The goal is to create depth and mid-palate texture, as well as length.