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2002 Arrowood
Gewürztraminer, Russian River Valley, Saralee's Vineyard
Region/Origin:
Russian River Valley Residual Sugar: Dry
Total Acid: .48 gm per 100 ml Alcohol: 13.8% Final pH: 3.7 Blend: Gewürztraminer
Winemaker's Notes
The 2002 vintage marks our second release of Gewürztraminer from Saralee's Vineyard in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. This variety has been associated with the Alsace region of France since the Middle Ages, and is still one the areas most widely planted and highly prized grape varieties. While California Gewürztraminers can often be dull or neutral, or bring forth an oily component, Richard Arrowood has once again shown how the right combination of climate, soil and winemaking technique can produce a delicious wine of exceptional complexity and character.
Because of its cooler climate and shallow soils, Saralee's Vineyard presents the perfect microclimate for growing the somewhat temperamental Gewürztraminer. At harvest, we waited until the fruit was fully ripened in order to maximize aromatics and flavorthe grape turns pink at maturity, similar to light-colored, flame seedless grapes. Whole berry pressing was implemented in order to preserve its character and aroma without picking up bitterness from the grape skins. Our 2002 Gewürztraminer was not aged in oak or allowed to go through malolactic fermentation. The end result is a complex and unusually solid age worthy wine with intense spice and floral aromatics.
Lovely aromas of spice are followed by layers of rich textures and flavors of rose petal and lychee, with a touch of crisp acidity in the long, lengthy finish. This wine will complement a variety of foods including chicken or pork, and its great with most Asian cuisine, particularly with Szechwan and hot, spicy Thai foods.
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