Brassfield Serenity White Blend 2011
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Blend: 56% Pinot Grigio, 31% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Gewurztraminer
About the Vineyard
Our home ranch on the Westside of High Valley Appellation has been known as "High Serenity Ranch" for over one hundred years, lending the namesake to our expressive proprietary white blend. The Estate vineyard blocks producing fruit for the Serenity are on the valley floor situated 1800' feet above sea level and are comprised of gravelly loam soils. The Estate Vineyard is one of the coldest growing sites within Lake County. The diurnal temperature swings allow for longer hang-time, enhancing flavor development and acid retention in the juice and finished wine.
In 1998, the Brassfield family realized the land’s true destiny was as a world-class wine property. As a result, Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyard was established. With the new estate vineyards increased production, the winery has grown with additional tank & barrel storage capacity and a state-of-the-art crushing facility.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Sitting on the northeast side of the Clear Lake appellation, this warm area boasts multiple soil types that allow growers a lot of flexibility and experimentation with grape varieties. While Sauvignon blanc is a mainstay, this zone excels with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, as well as other less common varieties like Barbera and Tempranillo.