Vintage Notes:
An unusually warm winter and early spring lead to budbreak almost a month early. The early budbreak and extreme frost on May 18th damaged yields throughout the Finger Lakes, although Knapp recovered well. Periods of intense rainfall with stretches of warm and dry weather, resulting in a statistically 'average' year but felt anything but average. The rain abated by August and we were able to let the grapes take their time ripening in perfect Autumn weather.
Dried apricot and honeysuckle on the nose with distinctive notes of lychee. A cousin of Gewürztraminer, Siegerrebe favors nectarine, honey, orange peel, and beeswax over floral components. Luscious and opulent are defining characteristics of Siegerrebe, making the wine linger on the palate. The oily character (similar to Viognier) make this a versatile wine to pair with sweet or savory foods.
Winemaker Notes:
Siegerrebe (zee-geh-RAY-bah) is a vinifera grape bred in Germany. The name means 'victory vine' in German, referring to its superior cold hardiness and yields compared to its parents (Gewürztraminer and Madeleine Angevine). Also one of the earliest ripening varieties on the Knapp estate, it is almost always the first grapes picked of the year. Fermented slightly warmer than our other white wines to help foster the weight on the palate and silky mouthfeel that are so distinctive for this variety. Aged in barrel on the lees for 8 months.
