2006 Gallo of Sonoma
Pinot Gris

Winemaker's Notes

Our Sonoma County Pinot Gris presents aromas of honeydew melon, citrus, apple and peach blossom that are subtly rounded and enriched by notes of fig.  The   fruit is supported by a balanced, elegant mouthfeel that allows the intense crisp flavors to shine.

Wine:
Gentle handling from the vineyard to the winepress, then soft pressing of the grapes gave this wine a head start for flavor and body.   This wine is primarily stainless steel fermented to keep the bright fruit flavors, and a small portion was barrel fermented to add dimension and body.

Land:
The 2006 growing season began with a very wet winter that lasted through bloom, followed by mild weather up to mid-July. The second part of July saw very warm weather, but the cooling coastal fog rolled back in to the area and brought relief. The ripening period of August thru September was ideal, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sun to gently ripen the fruit. Harvest began in mid-September and was completed by mid-October. Overall, the 2006 vintage was one of the best in many years, with sound, ripe fruit and very few defects in the crop.

Family:
At the core of the Gallo family's history in winemaking is a very definite philosophy on how wine should be made. Today this philosophy is being carried forward by third-generation Gallo family members responsible for the production, marketing, and sales of our wines. This approach to winemaking mandates that the Gallo family is personally involved with the vine and its grapes throughout the growing season to maximize the quality and character of the fruit they use. Only with this care and attention to the vine and its fruit does the Gallo family believe that they can make the best wine possible. Similarly, the Gallo family firmly believes that “no stone be left unturned” in the pursuit of growing the best wine grapes possible for their wines. The family devotes an unparalleled amount of passion and commitment to this task.

Varietal Content: 98% Pinot Gris; 2% Gewürztraminer
Varietal Origin: Sonoma Coast
Residual Sugar: 0.024g/100ml
Titratable Acidity: 0.63g/100ml
pH: 3.35
Alcohol Level: 13.80%