2014 Riesling Vidal
Palate
Off-dry with a saline freshness and density.
Aromas
Mineral and balsam.
Food Pairings
Asian cuisine, spicy sausages, and any dishes that go well with beer.
Vineyard
Hardscrabble (Estate) Fauquier Co., on top of the Blue Ridge at an elevation of 1,100 to 1,300 feet on an eastern slope. Deep, well drained, volcanic-origin greenstone and granite soils. Lyre training. Vines planted in 1997.
Vintage
A very long cold winter damaged some vines and delayed spring. A late start to spring can end up as a very late harvest. We were prepared to reduce our potential yields by removing a significant amount of the clusters in July. A smaller crop would ripen faster. However, July was beautiful. Dry, warm weather slowed the vine’s vegetative growth. Instead of putting energy into producing more leaves, which will happen in a wet summer, the vines put their energy into ripening the grapes. We knew something good was going to happen when veraison occurred sooner (and faster) than expected. Spring and mid-summer lay the foundation of the vintage, but late August through mid-October determine the style, character, and quality of the wines. The beginning of harvest started in early September. It was typical of the “cat and mouse” picking strategies that we are all now accustomed to. A few days of sunny delightful weather followed by showers characterized the start of harvest. Mid-September to early October was our big break with very little rain and mild temperatures, although it remained somewhat cloudy. Ripening took its time with lower than average sugars and higher than average acids. Harvest dates: Riesling, September 9 and Vidal, September 21.
Winemaking
Riesling contributes aroma, tropical fruit and acidity; Vidal gives spice, weight, and structure. The two are fermented separately. Vidal is fermented warm (70F ) and Riesling cool (60F). The wine was bottled in May 2015. It is ready to drink after one or two years of bottle age. 51% Riesling and 49% Vidal. 12.0% alcohol. 10grams of residual sugar. 7.0 grams/ liter titratable acidity. 166 cases produced. Drink through 2018.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2014 Vintage | 2014 Riesling Vidal