Rare opportunity to Witness Crush over Memorial Day Weekend
UNDERWOOD, WASHINGTON – May 25, 2016 – White Salmon Vineyard is currently fermenting four vintages of Pinot Noir from their Estate Vineyard on Underwood Mountain. The vintages, dating back to 2010, have been frozen for preservation by Brehm Vineyards. The traditional Harvest/Crush season runs August through October in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This is a unique opportunity to observe the wine fermentation process over Memorial Day weekend.
“Freezing the grapes preserves the integrity of the fruit during long distance transport and/or long-term storage of unfermented grapes. It also creates an intercellular rupture that allows a slightly higher yield in black grapes and the release of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins color the grapes while maintaining the flavors and phenolics of the fruit,” said Peter Brehm, Proprietor at White Salmon Vineyard and Brehm Vineyards. Brehm Vineyard has been freezing and transporting frozen grapes for professional and home winemakers since 1974.
“After thawing, the grapes came in at 40% whole berry which is ideal. Even the 2010 vintage that was harvested 6 years ago,” said Bill Musgnung, Winery Consultant at Winetenders.
The four vintages of Estate White Salmon Pinot Noir are fermenting separately to illustrate the impact of weather on wine vintages. Typically when comparing vintages, the consumer has to account for the impact of aging. However, because these grapes were essentially frozen in time it provides a level comparison.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by our tasting room over Memorial Day weekend to experience this unique spring crush. White Salmon Vineyard is located at 62381 WA-14, Underwood, WA 98651. Tasting room hours are Friday through Monday, noon – 6 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
About White Salmon Vineyard: White Salmon Vineyard’s 22 acres are primarily planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir along with a sprinkling of Malbec, Syrah, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Maria Gomes. The vineyard is located on the eastern slope of the Cascade mountain range on the bank of the Columbia River on a rocky bench 550’ above sea level within the majestic, cool climate region of the Columbia Gorge AVA. The soils were formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago and the vineyard maintains three distinct soil types. These conditions, plus a carefully selected mix of clones, combine to provide a terroir for world-class grapes.
