RELATIONSHIPS
Producer Case Study: Ridge Lytton Springs Blending and Barrels: Comparative Perspective
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Raw material
Five varieties mainly Zinfandel
Fermentation
Alcoholic fermentation and MLF
Aging
16 months in American oak, 19% new barrels
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Using five grape varieties
The blend in 2023 is 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignan, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro. This wine from Dry Creek Valley is an example of Zinfandel as the main variety combined with several others. This helps you learn not to assume 100% from the name of the main variety alone.
FIELD NOTE 02
Fermentation and malolactic
The official winemaking description cites destemming and crushing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation (which affects malic acid) are distinct changes; placing them in process order prevents misunderstandings.
FIELD NOTE 03
With American oak—not only new barrels
Maturation takes place in American oak barrels for 16 months, but only 19% are new barrels, with the remainder being previously used barrels. The wood species, origin, usage history, and maturation period are all separate pieces of information. These figures refer to a single record from 2023, and are not an AVA requirement or a fixed annual recipe.
This does not mean that. In 2023, the new oak usage was 19%. Read wood type and usage duration separately.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Does '100% American oak' mean 100% new barrels?
Read the explanation ＋
This does not mean that. In 2023, the new oak usage was 19%. Read wood type and usage duration separately.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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