Bottling and Blending in the Month of Love
February is often seen as the month of love and I personally believe there is nothing more romantic than wine. This month we’re bottling our 2019 reds! The concept of blending is an examination of individual components and what they can bring to the glass when “married” with another wine. (See what I did there? I thought it was clever.) There was careful blending done to ensure we are bringing you the best wines possible.
Jenni and I have spent a lot time looking at two particular varieties, Petit Verdot and Tannat. Petit Verdot is fruity, brilliant with color, has mild tannin, but at the same time, is still missing something. Tannat is has a lovely spiced nose, tannic palate, and plum flavor; but like Petit Verdot, it feels that there is a piece missing. Though, something amazing happens when we blend them together. The harsh tannins of the Tannat are tamed by the structure of the Petit Verdot’s milder tannins and darker fruit, making the palate richer and more complex. The aromatics evolve into notes of spiced dark fruit with an undertone of chocolate or mocha. These are the two varietals that create everyone’s favorite robust red wine that demonstrates “the sum of the parts make a greater whole”, Papillon.
Another one of my favorite examples of blending to create a beautiful melody of flavors and aromatics occurs with our Norton Locksley Reserve. Norton demonstrates a depth unseen by other varieties in the region through its unusual fruit profile and bright acid. In all its greatness, Norton can still appear a bit thin in the mid-palate. With just the smallest amount of blending from Petit Verdot, Tannat, or Nebbiolo; Norton can be elevated to even greater heights. That soft mid-palate becomes embellished with darker fruits, spices, and round tannins. Like any good “marriage”, Locksley Reserve gets even better with time.
In February, we are bottling these beautiful wines and I can’t wait to share all the love and patience that has gone into these wines with you. For now, let’s celebrate this month of love with someone special and your favorite Chrysalis wines!