2017 2017 Jonquille
JONQUILLE means daffodil in French. Daffodils are some of the first flowers to bloom in spring, and their reemergence after a long winter brings up feelings of new beginnings; of bright skies, and fresh starts. The JONQUILLE is just that-a youthful, lively interpretation of spring.
Technical
Tasting Notes
With notes of apricot blossoms and Makrut lime, this is a bright and lively expression of California Viognier. There is a hint of tropical fruit on the palate, and a feeling that is similar to biting into a fresh green apple - dry, clean, and crisp.
Details
Up above the Central Valley, lies a vineyard in the foothills called Love Ranch. Organically farmed, 1300 feet elevation, and on Ahwahnee Vista soil – decomposed and weathered granite – this vineyard feels like a glimpse of the Rhone in California. Love Ranch is planted to many different varietals, and Raft is thrilled to get Viognier from the vineyard for the 2017 JONQUILLE.
This pick was Raft Wines first pick of the season, on August 22. There is always such excitement for the first pick of the season, and Raft was honored to have close friends there to ring in the new season.
Once at the winery, the grapes were pressed whole cluster to tank. The juice settled for two days before being barreled in neutral oak and stainless steel barrels. The fermentation occurred in barrel, in a cold storage room. Primary fermentation lasted 40 days, with malolactic fermentation occurring right after. Both were completed naturally.
The wine was aged sur lees for five months to develop texture. It was then racked clean off the lees and aged and additional two months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 2, 2017.