Maso Canali Pinot Grigio

Producer: Maso Canali
Wine: Pinot Grigio
Vintage: 2009
Region: Trentino, Italy
Rating: 79KB
Coin: 11.25USD
Tasted: 1/20/11
Category: Value
Notes:
This wine originated on the 17-acre, family-owned Maso Canali Vineyard in Trentino, Italy. The Canali family has lived on the estate for over 500 years, and has been planting Pinot Grigio grapes there since 1893. Because the Maso Canali vineyard is 500 meters above sea level, the soil has a special mineral concentration, which adds character to the wine. The fruit from this vineyard is so distinctive that in ancient times, armed guards watched over the vineyard day and night. The fruit for the 2009 vintage was drawn from this estate and other carefully chosen sources in the premier growing region of Trentino.
Viticulture Notes:
The climate during the growing season was characterized by abnormally sudden changes in temperature. High temperatures and occasional rainstorms in July and August were interspersed with short periods of dryness, which provided a positive maturation period for the grapes. Harvest began at the end of August and continued through to the middle of September. High daytime temperatures leading up to harvest contributed to good sugar accumulation in the grapes, while a steep drop in temperature during the nights promoted the development of aromatic substances.
Winemaking Notes:
All grapes were hand harvested, followed by a gentle pressing to extract the fresh fruit flavor while imparting minimal color from the skins. After slight clarification, the juice was fermented clean, in temperature-controlled stainless steel, with select yeast added at a temperature of 18°C. To intensify the tropical characteristics of the wine, all grapes are from late harvest (surmaturo) grapes. Additionally, 9 percent of the blend is from late harvest grapes that were dried on racks for eight weeks, vinified separately, and added to the final blend. This time-intensive process gives the wine its unique body, complexity, and tropical fruit flavor, reflecting the signature style of Maso Canali. Finally, the wine was cold stabilized, filtered and bottled to retain the crisp, fruity characteristics of the wine and to avoid malolactic fermentation.
Tasting Notes:
Maso Canali 2009 Pinot Grigio has a brilliant pale golden color and a full, ripe palate. The nose delivers nectarine and light citrus. It is well-balanced with depth on the palate, fresh acidity and a long clean finish.
Finished Wine:
Varietal Content: 91Pinot Grigio, 9Chardonnay
Varietal Origin: Trentino
Titratability Acidicity: 0.62g/100ml
pH: 3.36
Alcohol Level: 12.84 percent by vol.
Residual Sugar: 0.14g/100ml