2021 Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc

Paso Robles, California

90% Grenache Blanc, 6% Roussanne, 4% Picpoul, all from the Adelaida Vineyard in Paso Robles. Limestone soils, coupled with a warm climate, create ideal growing conditions for this wine. After whole cluster pressing, each varietal was fermented separately. Roussanne was included to enhance mouthfeel. Picpoul brings lively acidity and focus to the restrained stone fruit, mineral palate. This refreshing wine can be enjoyed immediately upon release and will gain complexity over the next four to five years.

Fermentation: 100% direct-to-press whole cluster. 100% natural primary and secondary (malolactic) fermention.
Barrels: 88% barrel aged in air-dried American oak barrels; 20% new, 80% two- to six-year-old).12% concrete tank aged.
Aging: Five months in barrel

Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested grapes; whole-cluster pressed; fermented on the native yeasts; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective SO2, 35ppm at crush and 63ppm during aging. Pad filtered at bottling.

93 points, James Suckling. "A white with crushed stone and sliced lemon rind with some white peaches. Sliced apple, too. Medium to full body. Some lime at the end. Cofermented. 90% grenache blanc, 6% roussanne, and 4% picpoul. Drink now."