Grower Series: Countryside Farm & Nursery 2024

Site
Countryside Farm & Nursery - Crimora, Augusta County,  Virginia 1260’ elevation
A high density, dwarfing Orchard planted in late 2010s in rich clay and limestone soils at the foot of the western Blue Ridge Mountains by Raul and Mary Godinez.

Fruit
100% Black Twig

Vinification
Fruit was intentionally hung past industry standards and harvested on the 6th of November. Apples were sweated for three weeks at cellar temperatures before being pressed directly to a neutral American oak barrel. An uninoculated, native fermentation proceed slowly through the winter months and the cider sat undisturbed for nearly a year in barrel before being racked off its gross and fine lees in October of 2025. The cider was bottled traditional method sparkling and left undisgorged upon its release. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of this wine.

Notes
We have worked closely with Countryside Farm owners Raul Godinez and Mary Stickley-Godinez since our first commercial vintage in 2018. Through the years this relationship has given us the ability to emphasize changes to growing fruit outside of our own orchards; witnessing the impact of reduced cosmetic sprays, varietal experimentation, and identifying correct harvest times for specific apples. No apple has shone more through this effort than Black Twig, an apple who’s prestige I’ve often found implausible. Much of what we tried over the years was harvested too early, leaving the apple with glimpses of character but lacking overall. Only after getting Raul to agree to hang the fruit into November did we begin to understand Black Twig’s true character. This cider is brimming with concentrated aromatics that are present well before actually sticking one’s nose in the glass. Spice and mature fruit marry well with the soft vanillin of American oak (9 years old that is). When apples are well understood and cared for, you can taste it in the resulting cider. This partnership continues to bolster our faith in that idea.

268 cases produced, 9.16% Alc. by Volume, 750ml