Medium Dry Riesling

May 19, 2016 by Corey Ameele

2016 Medium Dry Riesling

Estate Grown and Bottled
Finger Lakes

A Finger Lakes classic! Its vibrant fruit flavors, perfectly balanced with a hint of natural sweetness, make this wine extremely versatile: the ideal choice for a wide range of dishes and palates.

Viticulture

Grapes. 100% Riesling

Appellation. Finger Lakes
Viticulture notes. We hand-tend each Riesling vine to enhance sun exposure and fruit ripening. Crop levels were closely controlled to allow the fruit to express maximum aromatic intensity and complexity. The hot, dry 2016 growing season produced an ideal vintage for displaying the potential of the region.

Winemaking

Winemaker. Matt Cassavaugh

Fermentation. In stainless steel tanks at low temperature.

Alcohol by volume. 11.5%

Residual sugar. 2.3%

IRF scale. Medium Dry

Aging. In stainless steel tanks.

Acidity. pH 2.9, TA 8.7 g/L

Bottling dates. March 7-8, 2017

Production. 542 cases 750mL

Vegan. Yes

Wine series. Classic

TTB ID. 16338-001-000075

UPC. 0-89800-00054-0

Year first produced: 1979

Winemaking notes. Small lots of estate-grown fruit are picked separately at various levels of maturity and ripeness. We ferment each lot separately in stainless steel tanks using cool temperatures to preserve the aromatic integrity of the variety. Fermentation is closely monitored and arrested at a point where the residual grape sugars are balanced by the wine’s natural vibrant acidity. The individual batches, each with distinct characteristics, are then carefully blended to yield a complex wine displaying the nuances of each small lot. Finally, we bottle the wine young to preserve its freshness and liveliness.

Enjoying our Medium Dry Riesling

Availability. At our winery in Fairport; at selected wine and spirits stores and restaurants in New York State; at CasaLarga.com for direct shipment to residences and workplaces in 37 states.

Accolades. Double Gold Medal (judges were unanimous), 2017 New York Wine & Food Classic.

Aging: Store at 45º-60ºF and out of direct sunlight. This wine, like most unoaked white wines, was produced to be enjoyed while young and fresh, i.e. within roughly 2 years of bottling.

Serving temp: 50º-55ºF

Tasting notes. This exceptionally versatile wine features light citrus notes, stone fruit flavors, and a touch of natural sweetness. Its beautiful balance will please a wide variety of palates.

CLV Chardonnay

May 18, 2016 by Corey Ameele

CLV Chardonnay

Oaked
Finger Lakes

Our very popular CLV Chardonnay is fermented and aged in a blend of oak barrels to achieve a round mouth-feel and a beautiful balance of natural fruit and oak flavors.

Viticulture

Grapes. 100% Chardonnay

Appellation. Finger Lakes

Viticulture notes. We grow four different clones (subspecies) of Chardonnay grapes at Casa Larga. The grapes for CLV Chardonnay are selected from one particular vineyard block. We machine harvest the crop to pinpoint the peak moment for ripeness and process the grapes immediately after picking to minimize the risk of oxidation.

Winemaking

Winemaker. Matt Cassavaugh

Fermentation. In a blend of American, French and Hungarian oak barrels. Primary fermentation is followed by malolactic fermentation.

Alcohol by volume. 12%

Residual sugar. 0.3%

IRF scale. Dry

Aging. 14 months in a blend of American, French and Hungarian oak barrels

Acidity. pH 3.5, TA 6.4 g/L

Bottle volume. 750mL

Bottling dates. March 1 and 8, 2017

Production. 479 cases 750mL

Vegan. Yes

Wine series. Classic

TTB ID. 16338-001-000073

UPC. 0-89800-00883-6

Year first produced: 2000

Winemaking notes. Small lots of Chardonnay juice are fermented in 225-liter barrels sourced from American, French and Hungarian oak forests. Each type of oak uniquely contributes to the wine’s aroma and mouth-feel, and blending the three types of oak allows for a more complex finished wine. Malolactic fermentation is monitored and arrested at a point that assures both a vibrant acidity and a round, full texture. We include grapes from various vintages in the blend to produce a consistent wine over time in spite of our variable climate. Crafting a non-vintage Chardonnay is one of the highest forms of winemaking artistry.

Enjoying our CLV Chardonnay

Availability. At our winery in Fairport; at selected wine and spirits stores and restaurants in New York State; at CasaLarga.com for direct shipment to residences and workplaces in 37 states.

Aging: Store at a cool temperature (55º-60ºF) and out of direct sunlight. This wine, like most Burgundy style white wines, was produced to be enjoyed while relatively young, i.e. within roughly 3 years of bottling.

Serving temp: About 50ºF.

Tasting notes. Fermented and aged in a unique blend of American, French and Hungarian oak barrels, our CLV Chardonnay exhibits nuances of vanilla and spice and a toasty finish.

Pairing suggestions. Seafood, poultry, and pasta with rich sauces, potatoes au gratin, brie and other creamy cheeses.

Cab-Merlot

May 18, 2016 by Corey Ameele

The classic flavor profile, smooth tannins, versatility with food and outstanding value of Cab-Merlot® have made it our perennial best-selling wine.

Viticulture

Grapes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot

Appellation: Finger Lakes

Viticulture notes: We balance the vine and position the fruit by hand to ensure proper ripening of these three red Bordeaux grapes. We hand-pick them very late in the growing season to maximize ripeness and tannin development.

Winemaking

Winemaker: Matt Cassavaugh

Fermentation: After primary fermentation (yeast), each component wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless tanks and is racked into barrels.

Vintage: NV. Our winemaker can select the best from among different vintages of the component wines to optimize the harmony and complexity of the blend.

Alcohol by volume: 12.5%

Residual sugar: 0.2%

IRF scale: Dry

Aging: 14-18 months in a variety of oak barrels to add nuance and complexity.

Acidity: pH 3.5, TA 7.7 g/L

Bottle volume: 750ml

Bottling dates: January 12, 2018 & May 16, 2018

Production: 1204 cases

Vegan: Yes

Casa Larga wine series: Classic

TTBID: 16338-001-000072

UPC. 0-89800-00033-5

Year first produced: 2002

Winemaking notes: Harvested grapes for this wine are pressed into one-ton fermentation tanks. The juices ferment on the skins and caps are punched down twice daily. They are then racked and placed into barrels. Each component wine in the blend is fermented and aged separately. A blend is then created that maximizes the nuances of each grape while maintaining harmony. Cabernet Sauvignon provides much of the fruit character and tannin. Cabernet Franc adds spice, and Merlot provides additional body and dark berry notes. This blend is then racked back into barrels where it ages for up to several more months.

Enjoying our Cab-Merlot

Availability: At our winery in Fairport; at selected wine and spirits stores and restaurants in New York State; at CasaLarga.com for direct shipment to residences and workplaces in 37 states.

Aging: Store at cool temperature (55º-60ºF) and out of direct sunlight. While we produce Cab-Merlot to be enjoyably balanced shortly after bottling, the wine can continue to age gracefully in bottle for another 3-5 years, depending on the year.

Serving: At cool room temperature (60-65ºF).

Tasting notes: Dark berry notes, rich oak, a hint of pepper and a velvety palate have made this delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot our perennial best-selling wine.

Pairing suggestions: Grilled meats, dishes with red sauces, chocolates, cheddars and goudas.