Winemaker Notes
The 2018 release is a nod to a fine white Bordeaux. The aromatics begin with candied orange and honeyed fig and then evolve to develop into flavors of bitter orange marmalade, pomelo grapefruit, more citrus (less tropical) notes, a mild grassiness, and a tiny amount of freshly cut dill. A mix of new and neutral barrels add breadth and range while the stainless steel gives a freshness and “pop” of natural acidity. The mixture of herbs, fruits, and honey plus the refreshingly crisp palate makes this wine delightful.
Petrale sole would be grand as a pairing as would vegetarian potstickers or arugula salad with dill goat cheese and raspberries. This Sauvignon Blanc is also tasty with oysters or mussels.
Blend: 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Alder Grove contains 25% Sémillon this vintage. It has soft, very pretty scents of elderflower, peaches, musk, tarragon, stone and beeswax. Medium-bodied, the palate is rounded and textural, with perfumed fruits refreshed by tangy acidity and a long finish. This more seriously styled Sauvignon Blanc was mostly barrel fermented and aged in a touch of new oak including French and acacia barrels.
Family owned since its founding in 1981, proprietors Pete and Terri Kight were drawn to the estate's natural beauty and unspoiled rural character. With 63 acres of vines planted at Wine Creek Ranch, and another 26 at two sites close by, today Quivira Vineyards is a leading producer of Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Rhône varieties, with a reputation for intentional winegrowing and a thoughtful commitment to organic farming.
Quivira’s environmental stewardship has been all-encompassing. Beginning in 1998, we partnered with conservation agencies in restoring Wine Creek and Dry Creek for their native Steelhead and Coho populations. We keep beehives to promote pollination of our garden’s genetically diverse produce varieties and raise animals to provide fertilization material. It is our philosophy that the vines are only as healthy as the entire ranch therefore we farm holistically and sustainably, and further our commitment with each vintage.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.