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WineSmith 2001 Syrano
William Younger’s “Gods, Men and Wine” offers compelling evidence
that the 1,000 year Roman winemaking tradition did not involve sulfites.
In 2001 we decided to undertake an experiment in ancient winemaking,
vinifying this robust syrah grown in high-altitude living granite
with and without the modern sulfite addition all the experts tout
as indispensible. The conventional lot, we found, was indeed cleaner,
and even possessed a more solid structure. But it brought to mind
a perfect but sterile construction with nobody home. Without sulfites,
the same grapes offered up incredibly intricate aromatics full of
mystery and soul.
In the end, we found the blend made the best wine. But not at
all syrah-like. Although we have now abandonned sulfites for subsequent
vintages, the 2001 stands apart from its successors. The extra
hangtime we employed for this harvest imparted aspects of wildflowers
and herbs which are spoken of collectively in Provence as “garrigue,”
and the wine’s uniqueness persuaded us to tag this experimental
lot with its own fanciful name.
| 87 cases were produced. |
Retail price $30 per bottle. |
10% discount per case. |
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© WineSmith 2003 - All rights reserved