Niche Wine Blog

Grey Stack Winery Garners Acclaim

BENNETT VALLEY, California (January 21, 2010)—The wine business is always onto the next new thing, and for 2010 the buzz is all about cool climate vineyard sites. Peter and Marie Young, owners of Grey Stack Cellars have been producing a steady stream of acclaimed wines from their Bennett Valley vineyard, and the Bennett Valley is one of the coolest growing regions in Northern California.

Sandeman 10 Yr Old Tawny Porto

 
WINEMAKING

Unlike other still wines, Port wine’s fermentation is stopped early with the addition of a neutral wine alcohol at a ratio of 1-to-5. When Port has fermented to the optimal time, the must is taken into a storage vat and the neutral wine, called brandy, is added. Winemakers add chilled brandy to ensure optimal fruit and color, and to give the fortified wine its naturally sweet flavor.