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Wine Details
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Description:
This rare and rich Rhone varietal is Crystal Basin Cellars first release of a white wine. Viognier is still rare in California but is a white grape especially suited to the Sierra Foothills.
The vines are six years old, growing in the Gold Hill Vineyard overlooking the American River Canyon in El Dorado County .
After hand harvesting the grapes were crushed and immediately pressed. The juice was settled for clarity then fermented for 19 days at low temperatures in stainless steel. After fermentation was complete the wine was racked into small French oak barrels for additional complexity and depth.
The wine has a mysterious mix of intense flavors of honey, pears and racy grapefruit acidity with a intriguing smoky streak and a classic viscous finish.
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Varietal Definition
Viognier:
The most acclaimed white wine grape from France's Rhône Valley, Viognier is a highly aromatic varietal, with a flavor profile that could include peach, apricot, nectarine, lichee, musk and flower blossom. The heady perfume of this varietal is one of its trademarks, although its flavors are sometimes problematic in matching with food. However, it does well with lobster, crab and moderately flavored fish. Use it as an apéritif as an alternative to Chardonnay. The "Rhône Rangers" in California have done an excellent job promoting this varietal.
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