Tannat
is a new addition to our line of Lee Family Farm wines, one which we are very excited about. Ron Silva is our source for this old world grape. His Silvaspoons Vineyard is in Alta Mesa, a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA. The Silvaspoons Vineyard Tannat is planted on 101-14 rootstock. Rows are aligned north to south on a quadrilateral, T-bar trellising system enabling even sun exposure and good air flow. Sustainable farming methods result in a very healthy vineyard yielding very high quality grapes.
In 2008 there was some initial concern about freeze damage to the vineyard. The vines responded favorably and the rest of the growing season was relatively uneventful, a good thing! Yields were lower than in a “normal” year. The grape clusters were small and tight, resulting in concentrated flavors. We harvested the Tannat on September 12th.
The grapes are de-stemmed before going into a small tank for whole-berry fermentation. The fermentation took six days to complete and the wine was left on the skins for two days of extended maceration. The wine was aged in 1 year old French oak barrels, and it was bottled in August 2009.
Lee Family Farm Tannat is dark red in color with aromas of blackberries, mulberry, allspice and spearmint. The palate reveals intense flavors of black and sour cherries, cranberries and chocolate coupled with earth and floral complications. The tannins are firm, yet well integrated, and perfectly placed acidity make this wine an excellent match for comfort foods like roasts and French stew…
