Spirit of the Harvest
2004 PETITE SIRAH ~ GRAPPA
Most grappas are made from the pressings left over from the winemaking
process. Spirit is distilled primarily from the free-run juice and whole
berries within the fermentation cap that was scooped off prior to the
pressing and fortifying of our 2004 petite sirah port.
Spirit was distilled for us by our neighbor, Stillwater Spirits, to 145
proof, retaining much of the varietal character. After distillation, the
grappa was moved into used chardonnay barrels. The “cutting”
water (dropping the alcohol to 80 proof) was added slowly during the 5 months of aging.
| Appellations: |
Clarksburg, CA |
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| Grape Varieties: |
Petite Sirah |
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| Vintage: |
2004 |
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| Harvest Date: |
October 6 |
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| Distilling date: |
October 17 |
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| Distillery: |
Stillwater Spirits, Petaluma |
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| Distilled alcohol: |
145 proof |
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| :Aging: |
5 months |
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| Final Alcohol: |
80 proof / 40% |
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| Total production: |
100 cases |
Winemaker / Tasting Notes
“Spirit has a clear appearance, with just a hint of straw color
from the aging in used chardonnay barrels. The bouquet bursts with violet
and lavender aromas. On the palate, it has an excellent, rich, fruit character not
usually found in grappa. The finish is smooth, clean and warm, with
a hint of earthy peatiness from the barrel aging.”
Bill Reading
Sonoma Valley Portworks |
