2003 Blueberry Maine

Retail: 750 ml $10.00

Variety: 75% Wild Maine Blueberry, 25% Washington State Riesling

Harvest: The blueberries were harvested from Washington County in Maine, washed and sorted. The 2003 harvest was small due to drought conditions throughout the state. The tiny berries were intensely fruity and we were able to extract a lot of flavor in the 2003 vintage.

Technical: The blueberries were harvested quite ripe with sugar levels averaging 9 degrees Brix. The harvest in Washington State was equally warm allowing the Riesling to fully ripen with sugar levels at 21.8 degrees Brix. 3.25 pH, and 0.72 g/100 ml acidity, Bottled 700 cases between July 12 and July 19, 2004, pH 3.13, acid 0.68 g/100 ml, residual sugar 1.5%, alcohol 11% by volume.

Description: This is Blacksmiths' classic blueberry wine, light and refreshing for summer, yet full bodied enough to accompany pork, chicken and pasta dishes. The Riesling provides a fragrant nose and a crisp finish.

Vinification: Using whole berry fermentation, the blueberries were cold soaked for 10 days in stainless steel. When the temperature reached 45 F, the must was inoculated with Prise de Mousse yeast and punched down by hand during initial fermentation to maximize fruit extraction. At 11 degrees Brix the blueberries were gently pressed. After pressing, the wine continued to ferment until the residual sugar level reached 1.5%. Finally, the wines were blended, hot and cold stabilized, and bottled.