Fruit
83% Kieffer Pear, 17% Dolgo Crabapple

Sites
- Kieffer Pears, Warm Springs Farm - Bath County, Virginia 2420’ elevation & Victor Gaines -  Bolar, Highland County, Virginia 2200’ elevation
- Dolgo Crabapples, Spring Hollow - Bolar, Bath County, Virginia 2200’ elevation & Hightown Orchard - Bluegrass Valley, Highland County, Virginia 3160’ elevation

Vinification
Dolgo crabs were harvested in the first week or so of August 2022. Fruit was ground and macerated for four days and pressed to a neutral barrel for an uninoculated native primary fermentation. Kieffer pears were harvested towards the end of October 2022 and cellared to ripen further for a month until pressing in late November. Upon completing a uninoculated native primary fermentation in neutral French oak, the barrel was topped up with a dolgo crabapple cider to acidify and stabilize the Perry. The combination sat undisturbed until it was racked off its gross/fine lees in late March of 2023. The cider was bottled still and rested for an additional six months in bottle before releasing. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of the cider.

Notes
Although pear fruit set was limited by a what seems almost routine early spring frost, the fruit that made it ripened to a level we have not seen in years. Careful sweating of the fruit was done optimally, yielding great sugar and limited over ripening. Even with an increased percentage of Dolgo added this vintage, the Kieffer really impresses, offering its typical finessed and feminine profile yet more dimension to its aromatics. It’s more concentrated, spicier in the nose, and minerality that lingers. Dolgo continues to hold this otherwise fragile wine together with energetic acidity and its hallmark punchiness. We are delighted with this year’s Kieffer Country Wine. 

23 Cases Produced, Alc. 5.5% by Volume, 750ml

Label artwork by Edward Beyer. In 1858, his Album of Virginia illustrated our valley’s famed spring resorts and natural landscapes.

*Available for shipments in Virginia & Washington DC OR pick-up at Oakley Farm. Ship to other states here. Shipments may be delayed based on temperatures.