Production:
Not Much!
Release Date:October 2009
Click here for printable pdf |
Leon Millot…we know that you’ve been waiting for this one! What, you say you’ve never heard of Leon Millot? Let us tell you a little bit about the grape. Leon Millot is a hybrid grape, the offspring of Goldriesling and Vitis-Riparia. It was planted fairly widely in Alsace in the early part of the 20th century but was outlawed in the area (we like it already) in the early 1930s with the adoption of AOC regulations. Why would such an obscure grape be planted in Alsace? Leon Millot ripens early, is seemingly immune from mildew and mold, has low levels of acid, and produces wines of exceptional color. Each of these attributes made up for perceived weaknesses in Alsatian Pinot Noir and thus Leon Millot was blended into the Pinots from the area. Bob Grimes, who planted the Leon Millot on his property in Oregon, found himself with a small hillside that was facing the “wrong direction” and would have a difficult time ripening Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, or any other vitisvinifera varietals. After much research, he decided to give Leon Millot a shot on that one acre.
We are never one to turn down a challenge so we too, decided to try producing our first ever Leon Millot. The 2007 Novy Leon Millot is dark, and rich, with a distinct grape juice flavors, hints of earth and dried herbs. This wine should go wonderfully well with Thanksgiving type food this coming November!
|
