VARIETAL & VINEYARD: This Cotes du Rhone-style wine, the “little brother” of our Grenache blend, is 44% Syrah, 38% Grenache and 18% Mourvedre. We sourced the grapes from our Dry Creek vineyards (60%) and our vineyard in the Alexander Valley (40%). We only grow Grenache Noir, which is the clone from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Syrah and Mourvedre add color, body and complexity.
VINTAGE/HARVEST: 2007 was one of the best vintages we’ve ever had for our Rhone varieties. We harvested our Grenache October 20th through October 23rd, about 7 to 10 days later than in 2005. In order to concentrate flavors and facilitate ripening, we dropped 50 to 60% of the crop, limiting the yield to 7 pounds per vine.
VINIFICATION: Upon crushing into small, open-top tanks, we drain off a portion of the juice (10 to 15%), a method commonly used in the Rhone called saignée, to intensify color and structure. After a five day cold-soak, the fermentation begins spontaneously with indigenous yeast. The open top tanks allow us to work the must by punching down each tank twice daily. This wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered after aging 13 months in 620 gallon foudres and neutral French oak barrels.
STYLE/DESCRIPTION: Petit Frere is made from separate lots of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre that are softer and more approachable than those used for our main Grenache blend, or the big brother. The 2007 growing season accentuated dark color, and concentrated, almost jammy fruit. Syrah takes the lead in this year’s PF, which makes this is a fuller bodied wine than in previous vintages. Think of this wine as our version of a Cotes du Rhone that has been on an aggressive weight lifting program.
Mick
Harvested: 9/28/07 through 10//06 Blend: 44% Syrah, 38% Grenache and 18% Mourvedre
Total acidity: 0.55g/100ml Alcohol: 14.9%
pH: 3.83 Bottled: 12/6/08
Aging: 13 months in neutral French oak Cases Produced: 450 cases
[...] week I had the Unti 2007 Petit Frere open. It’s a Cote du Rhone stiled wine. 44% Syrah, 38% Grenache and 18% Mourvedre. I [...]
I bought a bottle of your Petit Frere at K & L in San Fran. It was great!! I live in Chicago land and would like to know if this wine is sold in Chicago.