Winemaker's Notes

The unique muscat clone of Chardonnay, clone 809, was planted at Malivoire's sustainably farmed Estate vineyard in 1999. Originally planted to be a blending component of our Estate Chardonnay, the overwhelming aromatics warranted its own designation. Since the aromas can be fleeting, early picking is the key to success. Out of this grew the idea of making a low alcohol, off dry, spritz wine akin to a Moscato d'Asti.

The 2008 vintage gave us ample rain fall and sunlight providing flavourful fruit by early September. Yield was consistent with the 2004 vintage. Hand harvested on September 19 at 20.0° brix, titratable acidity of 9.7 g/l and a pH of 3.2.

In the cellar, the grapes were sorted, gently pressed whole cluster, cold settled and racked with some light lees to enhance aromatic compounds, then fermented in stainless steel at 15°C. Fermentation was halted after 9 days when the alcohol reached 9% alcohol leaving 60 grams per litre of residual sugar for balance. The tank was then sealed and chilled to retain natural carbonation. Bottled at zero degrees Celsius to minimize CO2 evolution. Drink now to 2011

Food Pairings

Off-dry versatility allows you to pair this wine throughout your meal. Try it with mussels in a light curry sauce, or with filet of pickerel en papillote with a spicy lemon zest-coconut emulsion. For a desert pairing, have with a piece of pineapple up-side-down cake.

Wine Reviews

SaavyCompany.ca
Stunning aromas of lemon and lime with a faint sweetness (does it remind you of lemon gelato?) that carries into the taste along with green apple, peach and a zip of grapefruit. This lively wine surprises many and puts a smile on their face as they discover this delicious elegant wine. I could drink this wine all day long...and with the low alcohol (only 9%)
- why not?

Tony Aspler April 6, 2009
Pale straw with evident effervescence; fresh, apple, melon and peach blossom on the nose; off-dry, light-bodied. Fresh, sparkling on the palate, easy drinking, orange and apple flavours. Clean as a whistle, good length. A great summer aperitif. Rating: 89