2009 Quail Series Gewürztraminer
Background
World-class Gewürztraminer originates in chilly, dry climates where the grape has an opportunity to ripen slowly and evenly over the growing season.
Our Gewürztraminer vineyards are located in the cooler parts of Washington’s Yakima Valley, planted at higher elevations and even on northerly facing slopes. Gewürztraminer grown in these areas attains high sugar levels (23-25%), spicy flavors and a lovely red skin color at harvest, much as it does in its native Alsace.
Harvest & Winemaking
Weather during the 2009 growing season was unique for Washington. A cool spring delayed bud break. Cooler temperatures continued until just prior to bloom, but at the onset of bloom, temperatures were above normal.
This sudden change in weather resulted in small, concentrated berries and vines with smaller canopies, which allowed the ideal amount of partial sunlight onto ripening clusters. The summer heat continued until September with very little rainfall during the growing season. These optimal conditions accelerated fruit ripening and elevated berry sugar levels.
A hard frost came in early October. Canopies were lost, but fruit quality was not affected as the berries had already developed high sugars and ripe flavors. The unique 2009 growing season resulted in ripe, concentrated fruit.
Wine Description
Floral and aromatic in the nose with flavors of lychee, rose, and sugared pear on the palate. This is the perfect wine to quaff ice cold on the patio on a sunny summer afternoon. It is made with early consumption in mind, and best enjoyed while young.
Food Pairing Suggestions
The Covey Run 2009 Quail Series Gewürztraminer can be enjoyed on its own or with many types of foods. We above all like pairing this wine with spicy foods and Asian cuisine as it cools the heat of the food and complements the intense and exotic flavors.
$9.00 Per Bottle
| Winemaker: | Kate Michaud |
| Appellation: | 100% Columbia Valley |
| Varietal: | 97% Gewürztraminer, 3% Muscat |
| Alcohol: | 13% |
| T.A.: | 6.8 g/L |
| pH: | 3.07 |
| Residual Sugar: | 18.2 g/L |
| Vineyard Source: | Art Denhoed 63%, Phil Church 37% |
| Harvest Date: | September 2009 |
| Bottling Date: | April 2010 |
| Release Date: | January 2011 |
| Cases Produced: | 9,683 |
