2021 Scriptorium Riesling

Case Count: 269

Philosophy
Prior to the printing press, books and manuscripts were copied by hand. Much of the world’s great written works were destroyed throughout history, but some survived in the monasteries, where monks would both tend to grapes and copy manuscripts in great rooms called Scriptoriums. This monastic movement gave the wine industry the knowledge we have today, and reflects the intrinsic duality of tradition and modernity in winemaking. Riesling is considered a premier white winemaking grape worldwide. First planted on Old Mission Peninsula in 1974 by our Winemaker’s father, Ed O’Keefe, it is also the preeminent white wine grown on OMP. At Mari, our style tends to be drier, relying on extended lees contact for balance. 2021 was warmer than average with an unseasonably balmy October, giving us a softer vintage than in past years.  

Flavor Notes
The Scriptorium opens with notes of citrus blossom and beeswax on the nose. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and classic Riesling citrus flavors are accompanied by lees contact that softens and surrounds the acid structure. Pleasingly off-dry, or the German equivalent halbtrocken, this main release Riesling balances natural sugar against traditional variety acidity, giving a wonderful sense of ripe fruit.

Vinification
The fruit was harvested from Jamieson on October 13th, 2021. Once pressed, the juice was fermented in stainless tanks with gross lees contact for three months, before racking on January 17th, 2022. For another six months the wine remained on its fine lees until June 14th, before filtering and bottling on the 28th.

Food Pairings
Riesling pairs wonderfully with pork, whether it’s glazed in sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, served as a spicy pad-thai, or roasted pork belly with apples. For dessert, continue the theme with an apple or pear tart. A very versatile pairing wine.

Cellaring
Ideal through 2028-2030, and will evolve in flavor as it ages.