With the end in sight…
November 6th, 2008Harvest 2008 culminates with a mad dash to the finish here at Airfield Estates Winery, with the final clusters of grapes finding their way to the crush pad today, and well into the night, (with the exception of the late harvest…if there is any to be had this year!) Five red varieties were harvested today making the trek from the vines to the cellar. These varieties included: Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, Mouvedre, and Barbera.
Cinsault is a Rhone style variety wine grape. Left to itself, Cinsault has a tendency to produce high yields, yet lack flavor. However, if the yields are properly managed to lower levels, the wine can have a strong perfumed aroma with flavors of strawberry and vanilla. It is used to brighten the fruit flavors of a blend and also tone down harsh tannins. Airfield Cinsault was planted in 2006. The vines were planted in cobbles and rocky soil, with a 5% slope and a Westerly orientation.
Counoise is also a Rhone variety, though it may have originated in Spain. It provides flavors of licorice and spice providing good tannins and a full palate. The variety is similar to Grenache without the floral notes. Airfield’s block is planted in a SW orientation on a 4 to 5% slope.
Syrah another Rhone varietal, generally exemplifies deep color with flavors of black currant and blackberry and subtle hints of black pepper and licorice. Syrah will form the backbone of our Rhone blend. Most of Airfield’s Syrah is located on the J Block, which is one of our warmer, most frost-free sites. The earliest plantings date back to 1997 and more recent plantings occurred in 2002 and 2008. Airfield Syrah is wonderfully balanced fruit.
Mouvedre is a thick-skinned red grape with flavors of cherry, blackberry, and violet. In Spain it is referred to as Monastrell, and in California and Australia it sometimes goes by Mataro. Having originated in Spain, this Rhone variety craves the heat, however, it is somewhat sensitive to drought. In the South of France and in Australia, it is often blended with Grenache and Syrah. Airfield Estates Mouvedre was planted in 2006, in shallow, rocky soil, with a SW orientation, and on a 5 to 6% slope.
Barbera is an Italian red grape found primarily in the Piedmont region. It is Italy’s second most widely planted red variety, after Sangiovese. It produces full-bodied, crisp wines that are high in acid and low in tannin levels. Barbera exhibits an attractive aroma of red fruit, currants, and blackberries and is enhanced by oak aging with notes of vanilla and toast. Airfield Estates Barbera was recently planted in 2006. The vines have a SW orientation. We plan to blend our Barbera with other Italian varieties.
Listen below as Marcus gives his final send off blog to this year’s harvest.
As you saw from the large assortment of barrels in the video, Marcus and his crew still have their work cut out for them. After ordering an additional 172 barrels, and realizing they are still 40 sort, there is still much work to be done in the cellar. The exciting news is based upon the fruit that has come in, and the fermentation that has begun, it looks to be a stellar year. Get ready for some great tasting wines to come from this year’s vintage and hit Airfield Estates’ bottles in the months ahead. Thanks for joining us!