BV Coastal Estates Pinot Grigio, California 07

Tasting Notes:
Pale golden in hue, the 2007 Pinot Grigio unfolds with lovely aromas of green pear and grapefruit. These aromas carry through on the palate with a hint of ripe peach and a distinct minerality that lingers through the finish. A pleasant quaffing wine for warm summer days, it pairs well with grilled shrimp and vegetable pasta, chicken salad, and spring rolls.

The “grigio,” or “gris” as it is called in Pinot Gris, refers to the grey tint of the grape’s skins. An ancient mutation of the Pinot Noir, the grapes still carry a subtle hereditary-hue to their skins. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were gently crushed, destemmed and pressed clear from their skins to preserve good color. When making the 2007 Pinot Grigio, winemaker Jim Corkin’s primary focus was to preserve the freshness and delicacy from grape to glass. By using stainless steel tanks throughout fermentation, the purity of the grapes was maintained, centering the delicate lime-blossom and pear character.

Vineyard Notes:
A majority of the grapes for the 2007 Pinot Grigio grow along the sandy banks of the delta region which warm up during the days and are tempered by cool breezes that blow off the water in the evenings, bringing forward nice pear and stonefruit components. The grapes from the cooler coastal vineyards add bright citrus and minerality for a nice acidity in the final wine.

Production Notes:
California

Winemaker Notes:
The 2007 growing season was textbook perfect. It began with lower-than-average winter rainfall and a warm spring that encouraged early budbreak. Moderate temperatures prevailed throughout the growing season for even ripening and development of good sugar-to-acid ratios. Harvest occurred in the first few weeks of October, just as the Pinot Grigio reached the peak of maturity. Overall, grape quality was high with ripe, lush flavors balanced with lively acidity.