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Leelanau Conservancy Crystal River Cuvee

Leelanau Conservancy  Crystal River Cuvee Wine Details
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Description: A blend of Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Vignoles, and other select grape varieties, 50% barrel fremented. Complex, mouth-filling pear, peach, pineapple, and citrus notes, with a touch of toasty oak. Wonderful, long, lingering finish.

Varietal Definition
Auxerrois:
French local name for the Malbec, aka Cot red wine grape species grown in the Cahors region of France and also, confusingly, an important white wine grape in the Alsace region called the Auxerrois Blanc that is distinct from another locally grown white wine grape called the Auxerrois Gris that is actually the Pinot Gris varietal grape.
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.
Vignole:
Commonly grown in the cooler regions of North America, this french-american hybrid used for making white dry, late-harvest and ice-wines has its origins in the Chardonnay grape. Currently very popular as a dessert wine because of its restrained fruitiness and good balance. Same as Ravat.


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