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Vintage

2015

Syrafina

Varietal Blend

Syrah 96% Viognier 4%

Avg Sugar at Harvest

26.5

Alcohol

14.9

Cases Produced

150

Opt Consumption

2018-2028

Cooperage

45% new French Oak

Harvest Date

Sep 27, 2015

Bottling Date

March 2017

Release Date

April 2018

Data Sheet

This Syrah-Viognier blend marries the depth and complexity of Syrah with a light touch of aromatic Viognier. The 2015 vintage is noted for its bold structure and intensity of flavor, much like the spectacular 2013 vintage.

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Vineyard
Tasting Notes
Recipes
Accolades
Vintages

Vineyard Profile: Estate Vineyard
Located on a mountainside high above Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, the rocky soils of Montemaggiore's estate vineyards produce intensely flavored grapes at naturally low yields. Using biodynamic practices and organic materials, we farm Paolo's Vineyard without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

2015 Vintage
This was a vintage of great quality and concentration of flavors but very low yields. The sun and warmth of drought caused our grapevines to emerge early from winter dormancy. In April and May, the critical pollination stage was excruciatingly slow, extended, and even interrupted—ultimately reducing the crop and causing unwanted variability in its ripeness. Thankfully, the main part of the growing season was moderately warm. During verasion we dropped even more underripe clusters than usual, an extra sacrifice of quantity in the name of increased quality. Several 100F+ days in early September were followed by a dry harvest. The lower yields and slightly longer hang time led to an increased concentration of flavors in the wine.

Winemaker's Goal
Syrafina's nuances arise from co-fermenting a bit of viognier with our favorite varietal, syrah. The viognier adds floral and citrus notes to the aromas, while simultaneously softening the power of the syrah on the palate. The inspiration for Syrafina comes from the Côte Rôtie region in France, where this blend is quite popular. More on Syrafina Winemaking ▶

Tasting Notes

Aromas of deep blackberry and spices are highlighted by floral notes. On the palate, layers of dark fruit, smoke, peppery meat, and crushed rock emerge from this full-bodied wine framed by round tannins.

Winemaking Notes

The inspiration for Syrafina comes from the Côte Rôtie region in France, where Syrah has historically been planted and blended with a small amount of Viognier. For Montemaggiore’s Syrafina, the two varietals were picked on the same day in late September. The grapes were destemmed then sorted at the berry level (while 20% remained as whole clusters). After a brief cold soak, the Syrah and Viognier were inoculated with the northern Rhône Syrah yeast, then co-fermented in open-top stainless steel tanks at 80°F. The whole berry fermentation with punchdowns for cap management brought out the wine’s complexity on the palate. After a gentle pressing in a stainless steel basket press in order to limit astringency, the wine aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels.

Food Pairings
Syrafina pairs well with grilled salmon, roast leg of lamb with rosemary, seafood cioppino, roast duck, grilled portobellos, pork tenderloin, and sheep's milk cheeses.

Consider our recipes for salmon grilled on a cedar plank, chipotle sweet potato gratin, and grilled sausage with fennel and lemon.

Accolades

Other Vintages
Montemaggiore introduced Syrafina in 2009.