2009 Chateau St Jean Gewurztraminer Sonoma County

Fragrant aromas of apple blossom, peach and hints of lychee begin the nose of this light and refreshing Gewurztraminer. On the palate the wine has flavors of juicy white peach, gala apple and spice characters. The wine has lively acidity and a pleasing minerality that lead to a lingering spice filled finish. - Margo Van Staaveren, Winemaker

Vineyards
An early ripening variety, Gewurztraminer grapes are typically the first to come into the winery during harvest to be crushed. The grapes for the 2009 vintage were selected for exceptional fruit quality and varietal character. The majority of the fruit is from the Alexander Valley.

Winemaking
The Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer is made in an off-dry/semi-sweet style. After a brief soaking on the skins, the juice was fermented at very low temperatures in small batches for just over one month in temperature-controlled stainless steel vessels. This retains natural acidity and fragrant varietal character. We stop the fermentation a little early so that the wine is off-dry, offering balance between beautiful aromatics and body.