BLUE BOOK TASTE PROFILE

Appellation: Kentucky
Varietal: Norton | Cynthiana


TASTE BENCHMARKS
  Profile #1
Ripe, Complex Warm Season Style
Profile #2
Richly Aromatic Cool Season Style
Appearance Dense, well-saturated ruby color. Dense dark ruby color
Aroma Complex aroma of spiced cherry, plum, saddle leather, carob, blackberry, coal and mincemeat. Fresh and grapey, packed with plums and cherries.
Flavor Firm, soft tannins support rich flavors, finishing with a kiss of bitter orange peel and tangy acidity. Tannins are rich, plush and full, supporting deep flavors of spiced plum and carob.
Balance Bright acidity, moderate alcohol. Lw to moderate alcohol and lively acidity.
PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS
Oenological Conventional vinification and barrel ageing.
Viticultural Unlike any other grape, Norton leaves unfermented about 1.5% of dissolved solids, probably polysaccharides similar to ale. These coat tannins and prevent harshness, so Nortons are always plush, dense and soft. They are also prone to high acidity. In warm years, this is diminished, resulting in more generous mouthfeel. Unlike any other grape, Norton leaves unfermented about 1.5% of dissolved solids, probably polysaccharides similar to ale. These coat tannins and prevent harshness, so Nortons are always plush, dense and soft. They are also prone to high acidity. In cool years, this is retained, resulting in more lively mouthfeel.
Terroir Limestone and granite bedrock. Limestone and granite bedrock.