Field Recordings Skins
Field Recordings’ Andrew Jones is the man to know on the Central Coast. A veteran fieldsman for a grapevine nursery, he’s had a hand in replanting much of the regions vineyards. In his words: "Every season I see about 2 to 3 million vines go in the ground." Through his connections with grape growers Jones was able to create Field Recordings in 2007. His portfolio of wines is a relative catalog of the states under the radar vineyards.
The Field Recording “Skins” is an uncommon blend of Chenin Blanc (40%), Pinot Gris (25%), Riesling (25%), and Verdelho (10%). The grapes were harvested within the Central Coast AVA from 5 vineyards: Spanish Springs, Greengate, Pomar Junction, Sarmento, and Martin Brothers vineyard. Once in the winery the grapes were destemmed, followed by a maceration on the skins for 72 hours to 29 days. This method of fermentation draws out flavour and aroma compounds (including phenols) from the skin’s, as well as a distinctive orange colour. It is essentially a white wine made like a red wine. Following fermentation the wine was aged for 6 months in neutral French oak barrels.
Faintly tangerine in color, the nose shows cidery aromas of orange peel, bruised apple, honey, and tea leaf. The palate is nicely round with a touch of tannins and mellow acidity. Compared with some other skin-contact wines, it is noticeably less volatile in character. It is best served not too cold, and decanted for maximum deliciousness.
