Style

Demi sec translates as half dry which means that there is just a touch of sweetness in the wine. This is to balance out the natural piercing acidity that the grape variety Petit Manseng is known for. The 2018 has an especially zingy acidity which makes the wine seem almost dry. This wine will benefit from aging.

Food Pairings

Spice is the keyword here. Middle Eastern or South Asian cuisine works well. Ceviche or sushi are also possibilities.

Vineyards

Hardscrabble is Linden’s estate vineyard where there are three small plantings of Petit Manseng. The vines are at an elevation of 1,300 feet on a northeast slope Vines were planted in 2002, 2006 and 2015.

Vintage

2018 was with wettest year ever recorded in this area. Much of that rain fell during the growing season. To say the vintage was challenging would be an understatement. Facing reality by strategically “punting” was the best way to approach growing and winemaking decisions. The result: light, pretty, quaffable white wines with charm.

Bud break was about a week late, but then May turned warm stimulating vigorous shoot growth and long internode length. Continued wet conditions reduced berry set in June leading to small clusters. Two gloriously sunny, dry weeks in early July gave hope of a turn around, but it was not to be. Petit Manseng was picked with good flavors and aromatics, but without its typical high sugar content. Acidities were high, but within the bounds of making a balanced wine. Petit Manseng was picked October 1, 2018.

Winemaking

Very standard white winemaking: grapes were sorted, de-stemmed, crushed and pressed. Juice was settled for two days. Fermentation took place in tank for several months. Bottled in May of 2019. Alcohol 12.4%. Residual sugar 20 grams per liter. This wine has a very long aging potential. It should drink best between 2022 and 2027 (or even longer). 1,867 bottles produced.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2018 Vintage | 2018 Petit Manseng demi-sec