2003 Sparkling Maine Blueberry

Retail: $13.00, Released December 2003

Variety: 75% Wild Maine Blueberry, 25% New York State Vidal Blanc

Harvest: The blueberries were harvested from Washington County in Maine, washed and sorted. The 2003 harvest was a small harvest in Maine that began in late September and continued into October with dry weather through the harvest. The grapes were harvested from select growers in upstate New York. The 2003 vintage was marked by a hot, dry summer followed by a warm, dry autumn which allowed for the fruit to ripen fully.

Technical: The blueberries were harvested quite ripe with sugar levels averaging 9 degrees Brix. The grapes were harvested quite ripe with sugar levels averaging 20 degrees Brix. 3.18 pH, and .65 g/100 ml acidity. Bottled 200 cases between December 4 and December 15 2004, residual sugar 4%, alcohol 11% by volume.

Description: This is Blacksmiths' classic blueberry wine, lightly carbonated. It's light and refreshing for summer, yet full bodied enough to accompany just about any food. The Vidal Blanc 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 3%. Finally, the wines were blended, hot and cold stabilized, carbonated, and bottled.