Grapes with brilliant acidity and minerality are sourced from the Antoine Creek vineyards in Lake Chelan, northwest of the Columbia Valley. Owner Greg Harrington does not like heavy Viognier (Viognier from warmer regions), but instead values sharp acidity and minerality.
Gramercy Cellars did not originally intend to produce Viognier, but in 2010 he received a call from a friend who is a sommelier in Washington DC and asked, "My family is growing some good Viognier in Lake Chelan. Would you like to take a look?" When he first visited the vineyard, he was able to obtain such excellent Viognier that he immediately signed a long-term contract, and so Gramercy Cellars added a white wine lineup.
Production volume: 325 cases
Technical information
Fermentation and Winemaking: Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Enjoy the freshness of the fruit.
60% aged in stainless steel as is 40%
The wine is aged in 500cc French Panchon barrels that have been used for several years, giving it a rich, mellow mouthfeel.
After 8 months of aging, the two are blended together.
Tasting Comments
Taste: Aromas of fresh citrus fruits, lemon, pear, mandarin orange peel and white flowers.
The attack has a firm acidity and a light, voluminous feel.
The taste is extremely mellow and the smoothness coats your mouth.
This wine is characterized by a balance of dry, refreshing acidity, fresh fruitiness, and a smooth mouthfeel.
The 2021 vintage has even more character, with a mineral feel reminiscent of stone, sharp acidity, and a pleasant, concentrated flavor of rich fruit.
Field Information
●Antoine Creek (Northwest Lake Chelan AVA in the Columbia Valley)
Excellent acidity and minerality.
It's an element that's often lacking in New World Viogniers.
Viognier grown in the warmer climates of the New World is prone to sunburn and over-ripening, as well as variable growing conditions, sugar content and ripeness.
For example, a bunch of grapes often contains grapes with sugar content differing by 3-5 degrees.
However, the grapes at Antoine Creek in the Lake Chelan AVA ripen evenly and maintain excellent acidity thanks to the excellent vineyards and the careful care of the growers.
●Forgotten Hills Forgotten Hills (northeast of Walla Walla Valley AVA)
Our own vineyards are located at the foot of the Blue Mountains, where the wind is constantly blowing and the cool climate adds a mineral feel from the volcanic soil.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Viognier
Country of Origin: America
Local Name: Washington
AVA: Columbia Valley
Vineyards: Antoine Creek, Forgotten Hills (own vineyards)
Winemaker: Greg Harrington
Winemaking: Stainless steel tank fermentation
Aging: 60% in stainless steel tanks, 40% in French puncheon barrels (500 liters). Aged for 8 months
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.5%