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"Terra Felice" Syrah

"Terra Felice" Syrah Wine Details
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Description: This small vineyard was planted to the specifications of John Wetlaufer and our winemaker, Helen Turley. The vines are on a vertically trained trellis system with the fruit hanging between 24 and 28 inches above the ground. The vineyard consists of 2,000 vines per acre which are spaced meter by 2 meters apart. Each vine yields about 3 pounds of fruit compared to the earlier standard plantings, 10x12 feet apart, which may yield a heavy crop of 20 to 30 pounds. After picking, the grape clusters are de-stemmed and the whole berries undergo a long cool fermentation, with indigenous yeast, to generate skin contact and extract fruit character. The juice is gravity fed into small oak barrels with a touch of residual sugar remaining to complete the fermentation process in barrel until dry. It is then allowed to rest and mature in 75% new French oak on its gross lees for 10 months without interruption. The "Terra Felice" Syrah is laden with rich flavors and aromas of plum, violets, raw meat, and tobacco.

Varietal Definition
Syrah:
Syrah is the eight hundred pound gorilla of Rhone grapes! In the vineyard and the winery, Syrah is typically an easy grape to work with - healthy, early ripening, resistant to mildew and rot; suitable for winemaking in a variety of styles. The wines from Syrah are tannic without being harsh. The wines will have a taste and smell of dark blue fruit like blackberries and blackcurrant, with a strong spicy side where one can find freshly ground pepper and other spices. Syrah is famous for its part in the French blends, such as Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape.


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