Nose
The result was a surprisingly aromatic full-bodied wine.
Palate
With vibrant acidity and a refreshing finish.
Growing Conditions
Fero wine is made with estate-grown grapes. We use old-world varieties from the heart of Europe that thrive in Central Pennsylvania.
In 2004 we started an experimental trial of varieties and rootstocks for our site. Six years of data allowed us to select the varieties that would consistently ripen and produce the best quality wine.
In Eastern Europe, this grape is the primary grape in the Republic of Georgia. It is a very red grape that has the unusual finding of red anthocyanin pigment in the pulp of the grape, not just the skin. It is often used in blending but can stand alone as a varietal. It is high in acid and very cold tolerant. It occupies the northwest corner of the vineyard.
Harvest
The grapes were harvested late in the season and pressed that day.
Winemaking
Saperavi is our exotic deep red variety most years. In the spirit of discovery, we made our first Saperavi rose from a 3-year-old new block of vines.
Our grapes are hand-picked, then crushed and pressed into tanks and barrels. Our traditional winemaking is closely monitored. Minimal skin contact is needed in this very colorful variety. Vinification was a standard temperature-controlled fermentation with yeast and nutrient additions. After settling over winter, we filtered the wine and bottled it 6 months after harvest.
Handcrafted by our winemaker and co-owner Chuck Zaleski, to provide the highest quality sensory experience. We were pleased to see the versatility of this grape variety and will make this rose a regular member of our wine portfolio.
