Marginalia Light Red 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: 78.4% Pinot Gris, 21.6% Pinot Noir

Elaboration: The Marginalia Light Red Wine is made possible by the unique conditions at Breezy Slope Vineyard, nestled in the foothills of the blue mountains, right on the WA/OR border. The elevation, aspect, water holding capacity of the soils, and the rapid air exchange at this site allow cool-climate wine grapes to thrive in the otherwise quite hot climate of the Walla Walla valley.

The wine was made by gentle whole-cluster maceration (Pinots Gris and Noir all mixed together, stems and all, mostly un-crushed) for about a week, followed by pressing to finish in neutral barrels where it aged on lees with occasional stirring. Because of the antioxidant properties of the lees, sulfite dosage was kept extremely low (about 35ppm over the entire course of production). The wine is bottled unfiltered, with a small, quantity of lees in each bottle.

Tasting Notes: Marginalia Light Red Wine  has low tannin levels and fairly high acidity. Aromas of blood orange, grapefruit, and juniper—carry through to the bottle, though the juniper has faded somewhat, as it often does, to a more recognizable pinot-type stem aroma. The feel on the palate is fuller, but this is still a very juicy, fresh-fruited wine. Serve it slightly cool.

PRESS

2019 – 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

PRODUCER BACKGROUND