Historically, Chenin Blanc is one of the great wines of the Loire River Valley in France. Our wine is produced primarily from an old vine vineyard grown in clay soils above the Russian River in Mendocino County. A long, cold fermentation in French Burgundy oak barrels produced a wine with rich intense aromas and flavors of melons, mineral and tropical fruits. This is a dry, full-bodied wine with mouth-watering acidity that makes it a perfect accompaniment with many rich fash and poultry dishes.
Background: Chenin Blanc produces some of the greatest white wines of France. In the Loire region, the wines of Savennieres, Vouvray, and Saumur produce a wide range of styles of Chenin Blanc from sparkling, to sweet and everything in between.
Vineyards: The grapes for this Chenin Blanc come from the Heil Vineyard located on the eastern side of the Ukiah Valley. This head-trained vineyard is over 50 years old and is situated on a bench, just off the Russian River. It is grown on a special, unique soil called Pinoli white clay-loam. This soil resists Phylloxera, allowing these vines to be grown on their original, ungrafted rootstock. This is one the oldest and one of the last remaining Chenin Blanc vineyards in Mendocino County.
Winemaking: This Chenin Blanc was made in a dry European style with crisp clean aromas and flavors of pears, apples and minerals. Its body is full and rich but well-balanced by ample mouth-watering acidity. The wine was 100% fermented in neutral French Burgundy oak barrels and “sur-lie” aged for 12 months. No malo-lactic fermentation was allowed which could destroy the wine’s acidity and fruity aroma
Winemaker Comments: This wine combines the mineral-laced steely acidity and structure of a classic Loire style wine, with the rich, creamy texture and roundness and fullness of fruit of a California wine. Aromas of wet stone, peaches, pear, and citrus all comingle in this racy, complex wine.
Food Pairing: Pairs well seafood or pasta salad with grilled chicken.
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acidity: 8.5g/L
pH: 3.09
Residual Sugar: 0.3% (dry)
