2016 “The Princess” Rosé

2016-Calafia-Princess-Rose

Wine Notes

Vintage:
2016

Appellation:
Sonoma County

Vineyards:
Our “Princess” Rosé is a blend of 93% Sangiovese and 7% Grenache. The Sangiovese is a blend of a few vineyard blocks, while the Grenache is from a single vineyard in Alexander Valley. The grapes were crushed separately and blended after fermentation. The Sangiovese provides the delicate fruit and floral aromas while the Grenache provides structure and mouth-feel.

Vintage Notes:
The 2016 growing season began on the heels of our third straight year of drought. Spring weather was warm, resulting in a normal flowering and berry set. Summer weather was the new “normal”: warm; resulting in another early harvest beginning in mid-August. Climate change in action!

Fermentation & Aging:
The grapes were harvested during the first two weeks of September ranging in sugar from 23 to 25.5° Brix with acids from 6.1 to 7.4 g/L. After crushing, the juice was left in contact with the skins for a few hours, then drawn off, the saigneé process. Yeast was added and the fermentation was two weeks at 45°F in a stainless steel tanks to retain fruit and freshness. The wine was then left in contact with its lees for a creamy texture. After racking and finishing, the wine was bottled in early February 2017.