2008 MUSCAT CANELLI

Our 2008 Muscat Canelli was harvested on September 11th from a small vineyard located near Leonesse Cellars. This varietal’s distinctive aromas and flavors of apricot and peach are accented by a subtle hint of sweet grapefruit, all preserved through a slow, cold fermentation in small stainless steel tanks.

The 2008 growing season followed a winter of average rainfall in the, Temecula Valley. However, periods of “extreme” cold during bud-break resulted in a slightly smaller than average crop with many varietals. A mild summer made for ideal growing conditions, leading to near perfect harvesting conditions relative to grape chemistry and berry size for the white varietals even though harvest took place approximately ten days earlier than usual. Red varietals ripened beautifully beginning in mid-September through mid-October and showed great concentration, structure and color.

Harvested at approximately 25.0° Brix on September 11th, this wine was fermented at very cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks for a period of four weeks, allowing the wine to retain the delicate fruit flavors and crisp acidity which complement the 5.8% residual sugar content.

The light aromas and rich fruit flavors of our 2008 Muscat Canelli make for a great pairing with light dessert dishes, fresh fruit, or puried over your favorite ice cream.