The winery facilities at Slate
Run Vineyard were
designed by Keith for maximum flexibility. Many lots of wine are
produced using barrels and small tanks. The use of variable
capacity tanks for odd lot sizes is used extensively. The variable
capacity tanks comprise a vat with a lid that will float on the wine.
The lid has a bladder similar to a bicycle inner tube that is
inflated to provide a tight seal against the wall of the tank.
This method eliminates head space in the tank that could lead to
deterioration of the wine. These tanks also have a lot of
versatility and are used as fermenters, as well as mixing and blending
tanks.
White
wines are produced by pressing the grapes (after a cold soak)
before fermentation, settling the juice, and then discarding
the lees, which if fermented will usually cause off flavors. Red
wines are fermented on the skins, usually pressed after extended
maceration on the skins. This practice although thought to make a wine too
tannic, actually after a period of time helps to soften the
tannins. The result is that the wine will have more structure (and
agability) and still display elegance. The winemaking after
fermentation follows a practice of minimal intervention to
preserve the fresh flavors. White wines are given a light fining
for heat stability and a polish filtration. Red wines are usually
unfined and only receive one light polish filtration prior to
bottling. The wines get the care Slate
Run Vineyard deem necessary to maximize
quality in the bottle on your table.