Description

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
 

Grapes for our Chenin Blanc are sourced from the Clarksburg appellation, referred to as the “Gem of the Delta.” It is an appellation that is showing a great affinity for Chenin Blanc. The climate has a moderately long growing season and benefits from the maritime influence of the Sacramento River. The Viognier is sourced from Lodi, which has a classic Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights. Natural air-conditioning is provided by the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta breezes and produces grapes with natural acidity. Rhône varieties like Viognier adapt well in this exciting appellation. 

The Chenin Blanc grapes were harvested at low sugar levels to ensure bright fruit character and low alcohol in the finished wine. In contrast, the Viognier from Lodi was picked at 24 degrees Brix to capture the floral and spicy nature as well as the viscosity. After the grapes were crushed, the press wine was blended with the free run juice to increase palate weight. The juice was inoculated with two special yeast strains to maintain the fruity characters and then was fermented cold. To retain and highlight the fruit freshness of CB+V, the wine was fermented and aged in 100 percent stainless steel.