Chasing Phantoms (22’)
A spontaneously fermented cider blended with Gewürztraminer wine. The cider, made almost exclusively with Goldrush apples, is fermented separately in American oak barrels then blended with Gewürztraminer to age in Moscatel barrels from Spain on fine lees for ten months. The Goldrush cider was treated with the French wine-making technique, bâttonage, which involves stirring the lees for an extended period which leads to increased body and aroma in the cider. Additionally, the Gewürzstraminer wine went through a naturally occurring malolactic fermentation which ultimately softened the mouthfeel more intensely. These variables created one of the most distinct ciders we have ever produced. Pure magic.
This concept of the blend came together by following our intuition to explore these contrasting flavors we enjoy in our favorite Moscatel and Gewürztraminer. Another exploration into co-ferments.
Our flavor experience
ripe apricots. white raisin. pineapple. toasted coconut. elderflower.
Availability:
One-off small batch cider. A part of our co-ferment series.
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spontaneously fermented in oak barrels
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aged in Moscatel barrels for ten months
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spontaneous fermentation, no added sulfites, no filtration
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cold-conditioned for one week
sparkling in 750ml bottles -
Goldrush
Empire -
Gewürzstraminer
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Pennsylvania apples
California & New York grapes -
8.7% alcohol by volume, dry
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blend #1
372 bottles produced