The Vintage: Two thousand eleven was the second consecutive cool vintage for Northern California and a great reminder as to why the Anderson Valley is so well suited growing the varieties of Alsace and Burgundy. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and all of the aromatic white varieties thrive in cool years and 2011 was no exception. A cold spring was followed by atypical June rains, but the heart of the growing season – July through September was even and pleasantly warm. The late rains kept us busy in the vineyards keeping the weeds down and hedging the vines to limit vigor. With veraison finishing in early September, it was clear we would have another late vintage and indeed, harvest lasted in to November for the first time in Breggo’s history. The wines of 2011 are marked by bright acid and a great purity of flavor.

Vineyards: A blend of fruit from Filigreen and Donnelly Creek Vineyards, both located near the town of Boonville in Anderson Valley.

Harvest: October 11, 14 and 18, at an average of 24.4° Brix

Fermentation: The 2011 Pinot Gris Anderson Valley underwent whole cluster pressing to tank and settled for 24 hours. A blend of lots fermented in a 200 gallon concrete egg, 900 gallon French oval, small neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tank. No malolactic fermentation was permitted.

Aging: Cold settled in tank for four months

Technical Notes: Alcohol: 14.2 % pH: 3.36 Total Acid: 6.4 g/L
Residual Sugar: 7.4 g/L

Cases Crafted: One thousand three hundred and twenty six cases bottled on April 5, 2012

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Winemaker’s Comments: The nose on our 2011 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris is a striking blend of floral notes of freesia, white peach, and struck flint. A complex wine that is continually evolving in the glass, the palate is full of flavors of beeswax, apricot and Mandarin orange. The mouth is delicate balance between bright acid and a richly textured finish. —Ryan Hodgins, Winemaker