DAHLONEGA - Three Sisters Vineyards has officially begun its 2015 vintage with the harvesting of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. The grapes harvested are for the Three Sisters Vineyards Georgia Cuvee, a sparkling wine created by using the French technique, “Méthode Champenoise.”
The winery released the first Georgia Cuvée earlier this year with the 2012 vintage.
“We were pleased to release our first Georgia Cuvée earlier this year, which promptly sold out," says Winery Co-Founder Doug Paul, "and the winemaking team is excited to see the quality of these 2015 grapes today!" Production is limited to about 200 cases a year.
The Georgia Farm Wine industry continues to expand to almost 60 bonded wineries according the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's (TTB) database, which issues licenses to wineries in the United States. (Source: http://www.ttb.gov/foia/xls/frl-wine-producers-and-blenders-ak-to-az-and-co-to-ky.htm) Currently about five wineries produce "sparkling wines" in Georgia with more under development.
“The Marketplace is ripe for sparkling wines,” according to the Beverage Trade Industry Newsletter The Shankan News Daily. “Sparkling wine continued to be among the hottest segments of the drinks market in 2013. Its off-premise volume progressed by 9.4%, led by an 8% gain for domestic sparklers and a 16% leap for Italy, driven by the explosion of Prosecco.”
Paul says the 2013 is available, now to taste and purchase and the 2014 vintage is fermenting and aging in the bottles . "We will be expanding our sparkling bottling over the next few vintages. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes will be utilized for Three Sisters Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs (white from white grapes) and Blanc de Noirs (white from black grapes). A Rosé is also scheduled to be released this fall.
Méthode Champenoise or the traditional method is used by France to produce the sparkling wine known as Champagne. It is also the method used in Spain to produce Cava. After primary fermentation, blending (assemblage in Champagne) and bottling, a second alcoholic fermentation occurs in the bottle. A minimum of 1.5 years is required to completely develop all flavors.
Three Sisters Vineyards 2013 Georgia Cuvée tasting experience for visitors is offered now and with future releases later in 2015 season. Tasting Room Hours are Thursday-Friday- Saturdays from 11-5 and Sundays from 12-5. Call 706-865-9463 or visit www.ThreeSistersVineyards.com for more information.
