harvest 2022
nov 2022
Wonderfully smoke-free and much more temperate than the past few years, the 2022 harvest was refreshing for Eastern Washington winemakers. As usual we have some updates to our portfolio - including some that you might not expect.
A refreshing change from the past few years of high prolonged heat, unpredictable weather, and severe wildfires, the 2022 vintage is an exciting one for Pét Project. Due to a wetter and cooler growing season, yields were higher than 2021, but without compromising quality. Better for us- more wine! Many of our staple wines like Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and of course piquettes are returning in this years’ line-up with the personality of 2022, however we are also introducing a few novelties that are new to us in the cellar.
Inspired by our trip to France this summer, we decided to harvest a few new varietals and have started to rethink our approach to aging. After trying 12+ year old pét-nats in the Loire Valley, it inspired us to consider what our wines would taste like after aging on the lees. So this year, we are holding onto a few varietals that we have typically released in the Spring allowing them to live, grow, and develop in bottle. We look forward to sharing with the US how more time in the bottle will positively affect these wines- trust us, the patience pays off.
One of the wines we are the most excited about, is our second vintage of our estate rosé. Because our limited production 2021 Estate Rosé magnums were so well received, and the young vines have had another year to establish and develop, we are increasing production, and releasing 750ml bottles in addition to a limited run of the coveted 1.5Ls. A stunning rosé, and a perfect representation of Stonemarker fruit, it is not a wine to miss. Equally exciting is the new vintage of the ever-popular Orange Cuvée. This second vintage includes Gewürztraminer in addition to the Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat- completing the superfecta of the four noble grapes of Alsace. Alsacian wine is all about bright acidity balanced by floral and peachy aromas and full, rich palates. Typically, the producers in Alsace do not use oak aging to add spice and richness, instead they rely on a balance of ripeness and alcohol to fill out the flavor. This year’s Orange Cuvée will be an ode to this style.
Now for the least expected new wine this year. In lieu of a cider, I brought in organic pears from one of our favorite partner vineyards, Pear Ridge in the Columbia Gorge. A co-ferment of grapes and pears, this hybrid is perfect for easy drinking and was a ton of fun to play with in the cellar. Not giving away too much now- so stay tuned for more this Spring.
vines