Roussanne and Semillon Harvest
October 3rd, 2008Anticipating and preparing for Mother Nature led Winemaker Marcus Miller and Grape Grower Mike Miller to the decision of harvesting and crushing Roussanne and Semillon varieties at Airfield Estates on Oct. 2nd, 2008.
Roussanne is a Rhone style, late ripening variety which is often blended with Marsanne. The Roussanne variety can be temperamental at worst and outstanding at best. Great care and attention must be given to this variety both on the vine and during the Winemaking process. At its peak performance Roussanne adds aromatics, elegance and acidity with the potential to age and further develop in the bottle. This year Airfield Estates may blend the Roussanne harvest with Marsanne and Viognier.
Semillon is a thin-skinned grape often blended with Sauvignon Blanc. Both varieties originated in Bordeaux. Sauvignon acidity is often used to coax fuller flavors to life from the Semillon. Though often blended for added balance, this years Semillon juice is tasting so good it may just find itself bottled alone as a single varietal.
Listen below as Winemaker and Grape Grower elaborate on the day:
Stay tuned, we’ll keep you posted as the harvest continues to come off the vine. Next week may bring news of Pinot Gris, Merlot, and possibly Chardonnay.