Winemaker Notes
Roussanne might be the richest, most decadent white grape in the world of wine. Ripe fruit intensity, and a coating, thick mid-palate deliver a hedonistic "wow" factor not often found in white wines.
Because Roussanne spends months ripening on the vine, slowly developing its signature flavor concentration, the tart acidity of the grape often dwindles by harvest time. At Stolpman, they decided zesty Chardonnay would be the perfect blending compliment. The Chardonnay lends a structured back-bone that refreshes the palate once the Roussanne's up-front wave of flavor ebbs.
Tasting the potential blend, they fell in love. The wine delivered such intensity, but, thanks to the Chardonnay, the refrained elegance of a fine wine. Apart from the inviting flavor profile – orange blossom, honeysuckle, meyer lemon – they became obsessed with the wine's texture. Bound within the creaminess lay a world of jasmine, tropical guava, pear and marzipan. Unanimously, they voted to capture the magic as is, without fining, filtration, or any other settling – they wanted to bottle the slightly hazy "nigori style" profile without stripping anything away.
The sum total of Uni White = Roussanne's flavor intensity + rich mouth-filling unfiltered texture + the zip of Chardonnay >>> combine to create a unique wine that can pair with a variety of dishes. Like an unfiltered Sake, Uni White's textures highlight the delicate, pristine notes of raw fish. Its boldness also stands up to more intense proteins, even red meats.
Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Roussanne
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.
Accounting for only ten percent of the greater Santa Ynez AVA, Ballard Canyon’s north-south orientation provides an ideal pattern of sunshine and martime fog for producing excellent Syrah. While Syrah is planted to half of the total AVA acreage, an additional third is dedicated to other Rhône varieties, red and white.