Darker Shade of Damson 2023

Site
Bluestone Vineyard - Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia 1240’ elevation
Dickie Brother’s Orchard - Roseland Virginia, 1050’ elevation

Fruit
88% Chambourcin, 12% Damson Plum 

Vinification
Damson plums are harvested in late August, resting in cold storage for a week or so to further ripening and soften the fruit. Plums are foot tread and macerate up to five days before being pressed off to demijohns for an uninoculated, native primary fermentation. As the wine finishes primary, several rankings are done to clarify the wine of its challenging fruit solids. Chambourcin was harvested in mid September and foot tread, whole cluster with a 4 day maceration. The wine was pressed off to a neutral French oak barrel and was topped up with Damson plum wine upon completing primary fermentation. The wine sat undisturbed until being racked off its gross/fine lees in April of 2024 and bottle traditional method. After resting on its lees for four months, bottles were hand disgorged in late August 2024. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of this wine.

Notes
Being primarily a production based around cider, the use of a red grape might not seem to fit in. That being said, Darker Shade of Damson has felt like one of the most obvious things to make year to year. Fresher, more nimble forms of red wine reign supreme in our household and we feel this unique expression of Virginia accommodates for a variety of occasions. The 2023 vintage of DSOD has darker, brambly berry fruit but remains very light on its feet. Whole cluster shine in the aromatics and aide to a lengthy mid pallet. The larger percentage of Damson is present in the pallet but finds itself more subtly integrated in the aromatics than previous vintages. Drink well chilled and enjoy on its own or accompanying light fare. 

23 cases produced, 9.93% Alc. by Volume, 750ml