Winemaker Notes
“Enchanté” translates into “Nice to meet you”, which signifies the “meeting” of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. This wine is 55% Roussanne, and 45% Grenache Blanc from grapes grown on The Curtis Estate Vineyard, which lies in the geographic heart of the Santa Ynez Valley’s Rhône Zone. The 2017 Enchante is rich and dry, with vibrant minerality and balanced acidity. The predominant aromas and flavors consist of fresh melon, pear, marzipan, and honey.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Enchanté checks in as 55% Roussanne and 45% Grenache Blanc that's all from sites in the Santa Ynez Valley. Brought up in 10% new French oak, it has a more restrained bouquet of poached pears, spice, orange blossom, and just a hint of toast. With medium body, a rounded, textured style on the palate, and a great finish, it would give plenty of Southern Rhône whites a run for their money. It's another white that's going to shine on the dinner table.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.