Chankaska Marquette

The fruit for this Marquette was sourced from six different Minnesota grape growers, all within 50 miles of our winery. Each of our growers farm to the highest standards and in 2013, Mother Nature helped in making this a near-perfect vintage. A long, dry summer allowed the fruit to ripen to full maturity. All fruit was picked at the crack of sunrise by hand and delivered immediately to the winery.

Once the fruit arrived at the winery, it was hand-sorted and fermented in separate small lots. A four week fermentation allowed for full extraction of color and tannins. The wine was lightly pressed off the skins and barreled down for the winter in October. After almost eight months in barrel, the Marquette was blended with a portion of Merlot to help soften the acidity that Marquette is known for.

Aromas of black cherry and cedar dominate the nose. With more aromas of red currant and loamy black olives leading to plush, complex flavors of ripe plum, fig and smoked meats. The finish is persistent with firm tannins that suggest this wine will continue to improve for the next three to five years.

BLEND: Marquette, Merlot
APPELLATION: Minnesota
BARREL AGING: Aged for eight months in Minnesota Oak barrels
ALCOHOL LEVEL: 13%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.65%
BOTTLING DATES: May 2014
RELEASE DATES: June 2014