The grapes are harvested from the Ventana Vineyard and immediately transferred to the pressing station where we use a Europress bladder press. This sophisticated pressing unit allows adjustable amounts of pressure for optimum juice quality. The juice is then pumped into tank for 36 to 48 hours of settling and then the clear juice is moved to fermentors. The juice is fermented in stainless steel and 50% is transferred into neutral barrels (oak barrels that no longer give off wood flavors) for aging. At Ventana, we have found that aging of the Sauvignon Blanc in barrel softens some of the natural acids found in this varietal. By using a neutral barrel we keep the lovely citrus tones without imparting flavors that come from oak.
Tasting Notes
The cool weather loving vines supply fruit which creates a wine with wonderful floral and citrus tones and a slightly grassy (specifically Timothy Hay) nose. The wine is completely dry with rich rounded texture and a flinty crispness. This is not a Chardonnay "want-to-be"; it is made in the classic French style for the best accompaniment to food. Sauvignon Blanc pairs very well with seafood. One of our favorites is Halibut with lemon beurre blanc.
Technical Data:
Alcohol:
13.9%
Total Acidity:
.60 G/100ml
pH:
3.45
Residual Sugar:
.054
Composition/Blend:
Ventana Sauvignon Musque
Appellation:
Arroyo Seco AVA (Monterey County), California
Barrels:
50% Neutral Barrels
Vineyard:
100% Estate, Ventana Vineyards
Soil Type:
Calcareous composition of alluvial deposit with rock and gravel
2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey, CA 93940 - 831-372-7415
