Winemaker Notes
A summer of warm temperatures and bright sunshine is reflected in the glass of 2020 Arietta On the White Keys. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the wine captures the energy of the vintage, with precise, fruit-driven aromatics and plenty of mouthwatering acidity. The Sauvignon Blanc drives the character of the wine, with textbook aromas and flavors in high-definition—grapefruit, kafir lime, gooseberry, and orange blossom are just a few of the notes that come to mind. The wine is incredibly expressive and sharply tuned to deliver the excitement that Bordeaux-style wines can offer. The wine was barrel fermented in a combination of stainless steel, neutral, and new French oak barrels, and rested on the lees for 8 months before bottling. Only a small percentage of the barrels were allowed to complete malolactic fermentation, which helped to preserve the freshness in the wine and to bring focus. This is a serious white wine that will develop layers and continue to evolve over years in the bottle.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThis estate makes a brilliant Sauvignon Blanc blend, and the 2020 White Wine On The White Keys is 74% Sauvignon Blanc and 26% Semillon. It has a Bordeaux Blanc-like nose of lemon curd, white flowers, beeswax, and honeyed minerality, with medium-bodied depth, good mid-palate concentration, and a great finish. It's a thrilling white.
The 2020 On The White Keys Artists Reserve is terrific. It offers an exciting mélange of dried pear, chamomile, spice, mint and dried almonds. The higher percentage of Sémillon here vis-à-vis the On The White Keys and longer élevage in oak yields a layered, phenolic white that is incredibly distinctive. Light tropical accents infuse the finish.
Fritz Hatton is the nation's foremost wine auctioneer. He worked for Christie's for most of the last two decades and was in charge of Christie's U.S. wine auctions from 1995 to 1998. In the spring of 2002, Hatton joined the prominent retailer, Zachy's, as auctioneer and consultant to Zachy's Auctions, Inc. He serves as principal auctioneer for the Napa Valley Wine Auction and conducts numerous other charity wine auctions across the U.S. Hatton is responsible for the sales and distribution of the Arietta and Kongsgaard wines and shares the marketing duties with Kongsgaard.
The partners came together through their love of music. Fritz is a serious amateur pianist and singer, and the Kongsgaards present a ten concert classical music series in Napa. Their friendship in music is reflected in the Arietta wine label: Beethoven's manuscript of the sublime Arietta movement of his last piano sonata, Opus 111.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.
Sometimes light and crisp, other times rich and creamy, Bordeaux White Blends typically consist of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Often, a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris is included for added intrigue. Popularized in Bordeaux, the blend is often mimicked throughout the New World. Somm Secret—Sauternes and Barsac are usually reserved for dessert, but they can be served before, during or after a meal. Try these sweet wines as an aperitif with jamón ibérico, oysters with a spicy mignonette or during dinner alongside hearty Alsatian sausage.