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Croft Vineyards 2023 Nouveau Gamay Noir
Fresh Evolutions
In 1983 a couple from Alaska started a brand new adventure, growing grapes in Oregon. While still working on their respective careers in law and education, the desire to be with the earth, honor it, and coax something lovely from its soil became a serious goal. With a free-spirited entrepreneurial spirit, they investigated the Napa Valley and its northern counterpart, the Willamette Valley.
Acreage in Monmouth, Oregon proved to be the best fit for the couple and the adventure began! There were some hilarious, frightening, and light-shedding missteps along the way, all leading to years of growth and discovery. Growth and discovery for their families, the extended clan of Croft supporters, and, of course, the grapes. When asked about the motivation behind difficult and progressive farming decisions, Founder Chancy Croft was known to reply, "It's about the grapes, 'cause all great wines start in the vineyard." In the end, it really is all about the grapes, isn't it?
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Croft Vineyards, Salem, Oregon
2023 Nouveau Gamay Noir
True to French tradition of vin de primeur, our Beaujolais Nouveau style wine is crafted with 100% Gamay. Harvested by hand, this wine is fermented through carbonic maceration, which emphasizes fruit flavors without extracting bitter tannins from the grape-skins. This bright, fresh, food-pairing wine is meant to be enjoyed young and in a convivial fashion.
Winemaker Notes
3 weeks whole cluster fermentation then pressed. Press rationed for Nouveau came from whole clusters light press to keep tannin level low.
Harvest Date 10/01/23
pH 3.28
Aging Drink now until 2026
Bottling Date 11/02/23
Residual Sugar 0.7 g/L
Alcohol % 13
A Cellar 503 selection in August 2024, Hot August Nights Willamette Valley | Gamay Noir