2012 Allegretto Pie Franco Merlot

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We celebrate the fact that we make wine in a region where vintage variations play an important role. Atypical growing seasons are a nightmare for commercial wineries interested in making consistent but boring wines. For us however it defines our interest in wine. We look forward to seeing what Mother Nature gives us to work with each year. It is the effects of each vintage on the finished wine that urges us to start verticals of our favorite wines then follow their evolution and discuss their merits at tastings with friends.

After an initial scare of unusually high record rainfall in late spring the remainder of the 2012 growing season was an absolute dream come true. Mid July till late fall gave us very hot days combined with typical cold desert nights. Growing degree days for the South Okanagan were above average and certainly much higher than 2010 and 2011. One of the hallmarks of this vintage was extremely uniformly ripe and pristine grapes with minimal need for sorting (quite the opposite of 2008, 2010 and 2013). The resulting wines are more fruit forward with round structure thanks to plenty of sunshine and heat units; the cool nights resulted in excellent, piercing aromatics and bright acidity in the wine.

Allegretto or a medium brisk and playful tempo is a very special single vineyard wine we call as a true Merlot. The vines are planted on their own rootstock (pie franco) in white silica sand (what glass is made out of). Each and every vintage we are rewarded with a trueness and transparency in the flavour that is not seen elsewhere. We also believe the white silica sandy soil of this vineyard contributes to the elegant style of this wine.

2012 Allegretto is as the name suggests, a medium bodied playful red. A wine that caresses the palate as opposed to forcing itself on you. Integrated tannins and a melange of red and black fruit approach you politely in poise. 2012 vintage as in the past continued to give us a special Merlot but with the outstanding plushness that is the signature of 2012 vintage in the south.

2012 Allegretto is full while still being a medium bodied wine. A wine that approaches you with a relaxed and balanced attitude as opposed to forcing itself on you. Integrated tannins and acidity along with a melange of red and black cherry fruit approach you politely in poise. The mid palate and finish have those classic cocoa nibs and coffee bean like flavours. 2012 vintage as in the past continued to give us a special Merlot but with the outstanding plushness that is the signature of 2012 vintage in the south.

Please note prices do not include applicable taxes or bottle deposit (PST 10% and GST 5%)