2008 Estate Pinot Gris
THe ViNEYARDS
Harvest got underway on October 9th with the harvest of the young block of Pinot Gris and wrapped up on October 16th. With the weather providing periods of intermittent clear, warm days, the fruit reached optimal flavor development without excessive sugars. Day by day analysis of the fruit guided the picking schedule, giving the grapes the time they needed to reach physiological readiness.
The 2008 vintage proves once again that patience is a virtue. Although there was the threat of rain, the decision to delay harvesting Van Duzer’s Pinot Gris paid off with an Indian Summer producing mature and flavorful fruit.
WineMAKING
Our winemaking of the Pinot Gris focused on preserving the fresh fruit character of the grape. Consequently, our hand-harvested fruit was whole-cluster pressed, the gentlest method of extracting juice for fermentation. The juice was cold settled overnight prior to being racked to stainless steel tanks for a month-long cold fermentation. Bottling took place after only three months to capture maximum fresh fruit character.
WINEMAKER’S NoTES
Van Duzer Pinot Gris follows a crisp, light, and lively wine profile. To this end, we avoid the use of barrel aging and malolactic fermentation, preferring to preserve this grape's fresh fruit essence through the use of stainless steel. Our 2008 Pinot Gris offers up the Van Duzer signature flavors of ripe pineapple, pear and star fruit along with fresh cut Granny Smith apples and flint. Aromas of fresh pear, hints of lemongrass, melon and apricot notes add to the compelling complexity. A juicy, crisp, mineral finish is countered with a hint of yellow grapefruit. This wine just begs for barbecue oysters or prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe.
VINEYARD: 100% Van Duzer Estate
VINIFERIA: 100% Pinot Gris (62% Clone 152, 38% Clone 146)
ALCOHOL: 12.9%
TA: 0.79 g/100ml
pH: 2.95
RS: 0.48%
Cost: $ 16.00
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Pinot Gris is Oregon’s emphatic answer to Pinot Grigio. In our Willamette Valley climate, the Pinot Gris grape develops weight and richness and full fruit flavors. Van Duzer’s Pinot Gris grows on five acres planted to Pinot Gris clones 146 and 152. Together, the grape clones produced a fully mature fruit redolent of pineapple and peach. A flinty edge to the fruit, a common thread across Van Duzer vintages.
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