Winemaker's Notes
What is especially unique in the winemaking process, aside from the extended aging time, is that the barrels are not stored in a stable cellar environment, instead they are stored in spaces which are well ventilated and subject to temperature fluctuations. Our two barrels were placed in the press room, where the temperature fluctuates with the seasons. The barrel is never topped off as it is done throughout the traditional winemaking process, which allows a yeast film to develop in the barrel, called “le gout du jaune” or voile. It is very challenging to maintain the quality of the wine and keep the voile intact during the 6-year aging process and if the film is torn, the contents of the barrel are destroyed.
After 6 years in barrel, more than 40% of the initial volume has evaporated, this is referred to as the angels share. Due to the low production, the wine is bottled in a 375 mL bottle. The resulting wine is a beautiful, golden yellow colour which can deepen to amber as it is aged. It has a unique flavour of walnut, dried fruit, spices and burned bread and has a high level of acidity.
