Terra d'Oro Petite Sirah
Winemaker Notes
Two different clones go into our Petite Sirah blend. The plantings consist of 50% Clone 3 and 50% Clone 6. Clone 3 is a common clone in California, expressing aromatics of blueberry and violets with a tannin structure that is more delicate for Petite Sirah. Clone 6 expresses big robust tannins, a deep opaque purple hue and aromatics of wet stone, salinity, and olives. The fragile grape clusters were handpicked at first light, de-stemmed and partially crushed, leaving whole berries for fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The fermenting grapes were pumped-over daily to enhance the extraction of vivid color, flavor and aroma. After settling, the wine was aged in 15% new American oak barrels for 14 months before bottling.