Winemaker Notes
Gravitas—a blend of Semillon,Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer—is something elseagain. The nose has the haunting perfume of magnolia flowersand scent of white peaches, with suggestions of ripe Bosc Pear,sweet green grass, exotic saffron, a touch of lavender honeyand Meyer lemon zest. But wait, there’s more: A bit ofbergamot orange blossom, jasmine, and key lime custard,quince and Madagascar vanilla. These aromas are echoed onthe palate adding a light, deft, fresh acidity, flinty mineralcharacter; a savory wine, perfect with all manner of seafoodand lighter entrées.
This wine pairs well with oysters, cassoulet, grilled veggies, cheese course.
Blend: 61% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Gewürztraminer
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.
Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production, if California were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine-producing nation. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of red wine styles, and unlike tradition-bound Europe, experimentation is more than welcome here. California wineries range from tiny, family-owned boutiques to massive corporations, and price and production are equally varied. Plenty of inexpensive bulk wine is made in the Central Valley area, while Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive “cult” wines.
Each American Viticultural Area (AVA) and sub-AVA of has its own distinct personality, allowing California to produce red wine of every fashion: from bone dry to unctuously sweet, still to sparkling, light and fresh to rich and full-bodied. In the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate vineyard acreage. Sonoma County is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Zinfandel. The Central Coast has carved out a niche with Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah, while Mendocino has found success with cool climate varieties such as Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. With all the diversity that California wine has to offer, any wine lover will find something to get excited about here.