Ben Witchell of Flint Vineyard on unusual grape varieties

This show was published Monday, April 16, 2018

Overview

Ben talks to us about several unusual and interesting grape varieties he is planting and experimenting with at Flint Vineyard.

Solaris is a white grape which Ben has whole bunch pressed, trying to avoid too much skin contact, then fermented in oak barrels and left on its lees to pick up some more complex flavours. This will be used in a special blend of sparkling wine to be released later in the year. The Solaris will be blended with a rose made from Rondo and also some Cabernet Cortis. Cabernet Cortis is a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Solaris. Ben is also experimenting with Fruhburgunder (Pinot Noir Precoce) making a traditional Beaujolais/Gamay style of light red wine (semi-carbonic maceration/whole bunch pressed).

The three main varieties planted at Flint are Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Bacchus. www.flintvineyard.com

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