2023 "Failed Empires"

Willamette Valley AVA   •   $28

This cofermentation of 47% Blaufränkisch and 53% Rotburger (aka Zweigelt) is a light, ultra-fresh red that clocks in at a refreshing 10.6% abv. The two varieties were picked on October 5th, and the fully destemmed grapes macerated together for just 6 days. Fermented and aged solely in stainless steel tank, the finished wine is unfined, unfiltered, and perfect for grilling. It’s surprisingly persistent on the palate despite its low alcohol level, featuring classic flavors of huckleberry and black pepper.

You may be wondering why I named this “Failed Empires,” of all things. Well, Voltaire’s quip that the Holy Roman Empire was “in no way holy, nor Roman, nor an empire” makes me wonder: had the House of Habsburg been more “successful,” would the great Austrian grape varieties be as famous as the so-called “noble” French varieties, whose wide esteem was abetted by the now-defunct British Empire? While we’ll never know, I’m grateful that a tiny few acres of Blaufränkisch and Rotburger are planted in the Willamette Valley.

Label art is a painting by Mae Starr.

12.7% alc •   6.8 g/L TA   •   3.19 pH   •   0 g/L RS (totally dry)