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Vintage 2004
St. Peter baptized the very first and the very last day of Harvest with rain this year! The 5 weeks in between were warm INDIAN SUMMER days under bright blue skies and cool nights, perfect Alentejan harvest weather with optimal ripening conditions. In short, yields were lower, ripeness was very even, with healthy fruit, good acid levels, high color and alcohol levels. BUDBREAK took place in March with FLOWERING starting in early May. With the weather completely on our side, we were able to fine-tune the harvest just to our wishes. A single section of the vineyard, sometimes just sections of a single row, were selected each day for HARVESTING according to whether or not the grapes had reached the desired level of phenolic ripeness.
Vinification
Great fruit from local Portuguese varieties handpicked at optimum maturity. Fermented without stems at controlled temperature with frequent delestage (rack-and-return). This wine is lightly filtered and bottled early to maintain clean, youthful, ripe fruit flavours.
Our Winemaker's comments
Chamine is made from hand selected grapes which produce an easy drinking wine with a full fruity palate and soft finish. Spicy aromas and lingering fruit flavours of ripe cherry, raspberry and plum are accompanied by silky tannins giving a wine to drink with food or enjoy on its own. Ready to drink now, but will improve in the bottle for 3 to 5 years.
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