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Each of the three Divas (Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne) would make an impressive wine on their own, yet together their voices create an extraordinary harmony in this delightful white Rhône blend.
In the Vineyard
Located in the alluvial plain of the Russian River Valley just two miles from the river itself, Saralee's Vineyard has deep and fertile soils comprised of gravel, sand, and loam. On summer evenings, the cool fog rushes down the valley from the Pacific Ocean, allowing the grapes an extended growing season. With the long hang time, the grapes develop full flavor maturity while retaining the all-important natural acidity.
The 2011 Vintage
Despite a light crop, a slow growing season and a cool summer, the quality and intensity of the 2011 vintage is excellent. The Viognier was picked early in October at a moderate Brix with the desired flavors and concentration. Then northern California was hit with unusually early rains, which slowed down the ripening process. The Marsanne and Roussanne were picked a couple of weeks later, after the vines had put all their energy into ripening.
In the Winery
Select grape bunches were hand-harvested before sunrise, and brought to the winery early in the morning while still very cold. The bunches were hand-sorted to remove individual overripe berries, then whole-cluster pressed into a stainless steel tank. After 24 hours the juice was racked into neutral French oak barrels, with the Viognier fermenting separately from the Marsanne and Roussanne. In order to retain its natural acidity, the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. The varietals were then blended and bottled early to retain the bright and vibrant fruit characteristics. Filtered.
On your Palate
The vibrant, multi-faceted aroma offers intriguing notes of melon, orange blossom, pear, and roasted nuts. The harmonious mouthfeel is medium in weight, with a silky and supple texture whose flavors carry through for a long, fresh finish.
This classic blend of white Rhône varietals, with its elegant yet rich personality, is an excellent match for many meals or even as an aperitif. 3Divas pairs well with crab cakes, curries, grilled swordfish, barbequed oysters, pasta with roasted cauliflower, baked scallops, goat cheese, and avocado salad. Serve slightly chilled.
Technical Information
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| Varietal Blend |
44% Viognier
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18% Marsanne
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38% Roussanne
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| Avg Sugar at Harvest |
22.7° Brix |
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| Alcohol |
13.7% |
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| Cases Produced |
125 |
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| Optimum consumption |
2012-2015 |
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| Cooperage |
100% French |
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| Percentage new oak |
0% |
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| Harvest Date |
October 3–18, 2011 |
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| Bottling Date |
April 2012 |
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| Release Date |
June 2012 |
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© Copyright 2004-2013 Montemaggiore, Inc. All rights reserved.
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