Champagne Wishes: Whom You Know Recommends the Columbia Crest 2009 Grand Estates Pinot Gris

We love it when we find American products that are superior and the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Pinot Gris 2009 is one more example of quality under the flag with 50 stars.  From Washington State, this is a crisp, clear agreeable wine that gives you many pairing options.  And what do you think we loved best?  The peachy notes, of course!  In an effort to over-delivery in quality, artisan winemaking practices are employed when creating the Columbia Crest Grand Estates wines. These wines are great for everyday sipping or special occasions,and to enhance the experience, Columbia Crest has created a free wine and recipe pairing mobile site, Cork & Fork (corkandforkmobile.com). The site features exclusive recipes from Chef Bobby Flay, wine pairing recommendations, a unique shopping list feature and easy entertaining tips.

2009 Grand Estates Pinot Gris – 14,000 cases

Growing Season
· The growing season was perfect with dry, warm weather and lots of sunshine.
· Although bloom was delayed slightly by cool spring weather, warm temperatures soon returned and perfect ripening weather lasted through September.
· A freeze in the Columbia Valley on the night of October 10th led to a slightly early end to the harvest season. However most grapes were already picked or had already reached a good level of maturity.
· Overall the 2009 vintage produced white wines with lots of natural acidity and fruit-forward flavors.

Tasting Notes
“Aromas of pineapple, mandarin orange and melon introduce the classic varietal style of this vibrant Pinot Gris. Juicy, refreshing fl avors of nectarine and white peach are complimented
by hints of lime zest and balanced with perfect acidity."
Ray Einberger, Winemaker

Vineyards
· Premier vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley, including the Horse Heaven Hills which
contributes balance and body, and the Yakima Valley, which add fl avor and fruitiness to the finished wine.
· Vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to 14,000 feet high, the mountains
effectively block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.
· Just 6 to 8 inches of rainfall reach the growing region annually. Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation.
· The soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns.
· Vines are planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes.

Vinification
· Pinot Gris grapes were picked at around 22 Brix to capture the variety’s bright, juicy style.
· Cool 14-20 day fermentations in stainless steel tanks enhanced the fl oral and citrus characters.
· A portion of Pinot Blanc was added to the blend, enhancing aromatics and mouthfeel.
· Filtration just prior to bottling ensures freshness.

ITEM #388 ©2010 COLUMBIA CREST WINERY, LTD., PATERSON, WA 99345 • COLUMBIA-CREST.COM
2009


Vineyards
Columbia Valley
First Harvest Date
September 3, 2009
Fermentation
14-20 days with various yeasts
Blend
91% Pinot Gris
9% Pinot Blanc
Alcohol
12.5%
Total Acidity
0.51 g/100ml
pH
3.27

Food Pairings
Steamed Mussels with Green Chile Broth, Chopped Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette. Recipes and other pairing ideas available at:

http://www.columbiacrest.com/entertaining/