Marginalia Amber Wine

WHY WE LOVE IT

• Winemaker, Tim Doyle, pays “scientific attention” to every detail when making his wines. He splits his time between winemaking and his position as a professor at Whitman College in Walla Walla (ancient philosophy and foundations of mathematics).
• The winemaking process is minimally invasive, avoiding chemically synthesized additives or other agents.
• Marginalia focuses on lighter red wines and amber wines.

Varietal Composition: 100% Semillon

Elaboration: 100% Semillon grown on the eastern edge of Les Collines Vineyard, nestled against the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Semillon at Les Collines has moderately thick skins, and relatively small berries with lots of seeds, which meant for a lot of tannic potential in the must. Pressed after two week fermentation so the wine had the maximum tannic extraction possible without any risk of developing the vinegary notes common to many longer macerated amber/orange wines. The wine went through malolactic conversion and aged on lees in neutral French oak barrels with occasional stirring until a few weeks before bottling; total time in barrel was about seven months, which softened the wine appreciably, but didn’t lead to any significant flavor extraction from the wood.

Tasting Notes: The reductive environment we created for the aging period emphasized some peachy fruit notes in addition to the earthy and grassy range of flavors Semillon is known for. The acidity, tannic grip, and moderate palate weight make this a versatile wine that especially compliments cheeses and other fatty/heavy foods, oilier fish, and all sorts of rustic stews. It is ready to drink on release and is not intended for extended cellaring. Especially to appreciate the unusual color of the wine. Decant off the sediment. Best served slightly cool, but not fridge cold.

PRESS

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PRODUCER BACKGROUND