2017 Nebbiolo
100% Nebbiolo
Aromatics to die for. A glass you could smell and never sip.
2017 was a year to remember. Moderate rainfall and consistently sunny days throughout the fall produced incredible fruit here at Breaux, and the Nebbiolo was a perfect example. Sweet aromatics reminiscent of gingerbread and bread pudding are balanced by classic Nebbiolo notes of red currant and ripe strawberry, creating an overall impression of sweet fruit preserves.
A soft, plush mid-palate gives way to a firm tannin finish, while subtle oak adds another layer of complexity without overshadowing the fruit. Only 20% new oak was used, all French, providing a supportive platform for the wine’s expressive aromatics and ripe fruit to shine.
The exceptional ripeness of the fruit allowed for a relatively short 12-month aging period, preserving the wine’s vibrant aromatic character while allowing the tannins and oak to integrate.
This wine is drinking phenomenally well right now, but its balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin should allow it to continue developing beautifully for another 5–10 years.
While it could certainly continue to develop for another five years, we believe its best expression will come from enjoying the wine while those rich, expressive fruit notes are still fully intact.
Aged 17 months French oak.
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Varietal | Nebbiolo |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Nebbiolo |
| Appellation | Loudoun County, VA |
| Vineyard | Breaux Vineyards - M Block |
| Harvest Date | 10/17/2017 |
| Acid | 5.5 mg/L |
| PH | 3.67 |
| Aging | 17 months French oak |
| Residual Sugar | 0% |
| Alcohol | 13.90% |
| Wine Style | Dry Red |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 04/02/2019 |
| Cases Produced | 305 |
Silver - 2020 Virginia Governor's Cup
2017 Virginia Commercial Grape Report Season Summary
Virginia’s 2017 growing season was characterized by unusually high temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Virginia’s statewide temperate average was 57.3 degrees – making 2017 the state’s fourth-warmest year since 1895.
Overall, Virginia’s precipitation was a bit lower than average causing occasional flare-ups of dry conditions across the state which also contributed to a bumper crop statewide.
Yield per acre for this year's respondents was 23% higher than for 2016 respondents. Part of this increase is due to low yields last year, however 2017 reported yields were also 14% higher than 2015 respondents, a near normal year.
The unusually high temperatures and lower than average precipitation throughout the year gave bountiful harvests to many growers across the state.
