ROCO Winery - 2007 Vintage Notes
Spring of 2007 was significantly dryer than the average Oregon spring. This can set the stage for a droughty growing season. This was the case in 2007. At our Wits’ End vineyard we are graced with a natural fresh water spring that continues to bring us beautiful water even in the driest years. By supplying enough water to our Pinot Noir vines to keep the leaves perky, we were able to attain ripe fruit flavors by harvest-despite the drought season. A drink of water just before it got hot was the trick.
Unlike many in the Willamette Valley we harvested on the 27th of September, just before a record rainfall. The resulting ROCO wine is gorgeous, red fruited and very appealing to all the senses. We kept our 'wits' about us in 2007.
In the Cellar
The grapes are hand harvested and chilled to 35°F before they are destemmed and placed in small open topped fermenters. Whole berries are cold macerated prior to vigorous fermentation and post ferment maceration. Wine is pressed into French oak barrels for malo-lactic fermentation. Eighteen months of barrel age later, the wine is bottled, packaged and sent off to light up your palate.