6
Signature Wines and Wineries of Washington
BYZANCE
gourmet pairings
Great balance and a hint
of tannin make this wine a
great match for a wide range
of food especially medium
bodied or braised meats
such as chicken, veal, and
pork. Brian's personal favorite
pairing is with medium-rare
duck breast, served on a bed
of risotto and finished with red
wine demi-glace.
tasting notes
With a complex nose of bright red cherries, tar, white pepper,
and the garrigue spice that you get walking the fields of
Provence, this wine explodes in your mouth with lots of bright
fruit and finishes with a long, slightly earthy and mineral notes.
winemaker's insight
European-style blended wines are my passion. No wine, no
region inspires Brian more than Chateauneuf de Pape, and
the terroir in Washington is expressing itself with an identity
truly reminiscent of the Southern Rhone. Today the flavors we
are getting out of the Grenache with its ripe cherry character
has even surpassed the greatness of Washington Syrah. The
incredibly important addition of Mourvedre with its spice and
structure, and more recently the high notes of Counoise and
Cinsault add complexity and depth. Grapes are hand-picked,
hand-sorted, and punched down by hand in small fermenters,
50-percent whole cluster Grenache and Syrah, with minimal
racking to preserve fruit. Extra time in the barrel and bottle
develop robust aromatics.
awards and distinctions
Best of Show at Tri-Cities Wine Festival
Gold and Double Gold – Seattle Wine Awards
Multiple 90+ scores – Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast
APPELLATION: Columbia Valley
COMPOSITION: Dominated by Grenache, blended with Syrah and
Mourvedre; smaller amounts of Counoise and Cinsault are also added.
MATURATION: Aged 22 months in 500-liter French and European
puncheons
CELLARING: Delicious now and for 10 to 14 years into the future
TECHNICAL DATA
Learn more about Brian Carter Cellars by
scanning the image on the left or visit www.
briancartercellars.com/
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