The Paring White 2014
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Winemaker Notes
The vineyard and winemaking team behind Jonata & The Hilt Estate present The Paring; a focused collection of wines with a goal to craft an honest and delicious bottle of wine for every occasion and table.
o In kitchens around the world, the Paring knife has become a chef’s staple for its versatility. The Paring wines were created with this same intent. Full of vibrance, complexity, and versatility, the wines are a perfect compliment to every occasion.
o The Paring Wines are sourced primarily from our estate vineyards in Ballard Canyon & Santa Rita Hills and trusted vineyards in Northern California to produce wines that are a true expression of classic California style. Blocks from the select vineyards are designated for The Paring ahead of harvest and made with the same intention and care that goes into the wines of Jonata & The Hilt Estate.
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.