Ste. Chapelle Soft Red 2009

Even though we had a late spring, 2009 still provided a long ripening season, allowing the grapes to reach their peak ripeness. The premium red grapes we use for Soft Red were fermented on their skins to extract color and flavor before fermentation to achieve a lower alcohol level with balanced residual sweetness.

The 2009 Soft Red shows notes of licorice, strawberry and plum. Although made up of mostly Bordeaux varieties it is hardly a traditional claret blend. It is finished sweet, but with enough acid to keep it in balance.

Our 2009 Soft Red is the perfect wine to serve well-chilled on a hot summer afternoon. Fantastic on its own or the perfect accompaniment to dishes like grilled salmon with balsamic glaze, barbecued pork chops with port-chipotle glaze or dessert plate of soft cheeses and fresh fruit.