The Heritage Club - April 2021
This month we feature two wines from here stateside, a Washington Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir from California. Pavette not only sports a lovely label but also has the in-bottle product to back it up. Much like their logo, a peacock, these wines are elegant and have plenty to show off. Enjoy these selections with our Ozark spring weather and friends, you will not be disappointed.
PAVETTE 2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
Producer: Valkyrie Selections
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Grape Varietal: 90% Sauvignon Blanc 10% Chenin Blanc
Viticulture: Most vineyards in this AVA lie below the floodwaters with soils of loess, deposits of sand and silt, overlying gravel, and slackwater sediment with basalt forming the bedrock. Ideal soil structure for growing grapes in this area.
Method: Grapes picked early in the season at just over 21 Brix. Cool and slow fermentation in stainless steel tank with no malolactic conversion.
Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled with soft cheese or a herbaceous dish, particularly Asian food.
Age: Drink now or wait until the weather gets a tad warmer.
Nose: Lime & thyme aromas.
Tasting Notes: Melon flavors with a nectar texture and clean, zesty finish.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Personally, this is my favorite time of the year to drink wine. Warm days welcome bright and crisp white wines while cooler nights allow bold reds to be uncorked. Regardless of the situation, you can bet there is a perfect wine this time of year.
Sauvignon Blanc is unmistakable with the wine's "green" herbal taste and zippy acidity. It grows virtually everywhere so there is a wide range of types and profiles.
This particular wine has all of the acidity and herbal qualities you come to expect while being incredibly refreshing and crushable. Valkyrie makes many different wines and this label shows a true expression of Columbia Valley Sauv Blanc at an excellent price value. I would recommend this wine as an entry Sauv blanc for those who look for other wines normally. Some French and many New Zealand styles can be very acidic and odd-smelling pushing some consumers away. While those wines are some of my absolute favorites, they take a bit of understanding and appreciation. Washington's style provides an approachable and delicious wine without the import markup.
2019 PINOT NOIR
Producer: Valkyrie Selections
Region: Vineyards from Sonoma Coast (32%), Anderson Valley (27%), Santa Rita Hills (23%), Santa Lucia Highlands (13%), & Carneros (5%)
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Viticulture: With a mix of vineyards this vast, the soil types vary quite a bit. These AVA's are some of the best in California for Pinot Noir.
Method: Cold soak followed by fermentation in open-top vessels with 10% stem inclusion. 10 months aging in stainless steel (70%) & French oak (30%).
Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly chilled with duck or chicken. Pinot Noir may be the most versatile wine in terms of pairing food.
Nose: Red fruits with some nice earthiness and allspice.
Tasting Notes: Sweet red fruits - cherry, raspberry, & hibiscus. Rich, fruity, & lush with subtle spice and tea undertones.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Pinot Noir is the world's most popular light-bodied red wine and with good reason. Red fruit notes and often packed with unique floral, herbal, or herbaceous notes make this red wine variety one of a kind and an obvious crowd-pleaser.
A vast majority of Pinot Noir in the states is planted in the region of Califonia from which this wine originates. Cool breezes and the morning fog provide the perfect climate for this delicate grape in a normally warm region of the country. Ample sun and controlled temperatures make it easy for winemakers to pick at the perfect time when ripeness is perfect.
This particular selection is extremely versatile and ready for any occasion. There is enough fruit in this wine for the wine drinker who likes options sweeter while having plenty of characteristics of dry red wine (earthiness and a bit of tannin with a medium body). This wine is soft and delicate but delivers plenty of the classical California Pinot Noir flavors you expect. Not too many wines mix texture and overall flavor profile, as well as Pinot Noir, and this one is no exception.