Winemaker Notes
The Terra d’Oro 2019 Chenin Blanc and Viognier blend is lively, refreshing and well balanced. Inviting aromas of honeydew melon, grapefruit, nectarine, orange blossom and tangerine lead into flavors of peach and mango, followed on the mid-palate by hints of lemon curd, quince and nectarine. Acid drives into a crisp, mineral finish.
This wine is a beautiful complement to oysters on the half shell, pork, chicken and southeast Asian fare.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This light-bodied wine tastes crisp and is absolutely refreshing. It holds back from complete ripeness, and the slightly restrained green apple and white peach flavors are mouthwatering.
Editor's Choice
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.
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.