Winemaker's Notes

Harvested with low sugar and high acidity, the crisp Pinot Gris portion of the blend supplies the energy, while the Pinot Blanc delivers minerality and depth. The majority of Pinot Gris is harvested from Sierra Madre Vineyard. The Pinot Blanc portion is from Bien Nacido Vineyard. 

Found somewhere between complexity and simplicity is our Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc blend. This mineral-driven dry white is also crisp and fruity with restrained elegance. The nose offers upfront notes of kumquat, green apple, and pear. Its light yet robust texture is complemented by pleasant sandstone minerality, balanced acidity, and fresh lemon peel flavors, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

About the Wine

Au Bon Climat is a Burgundy-centric winery, meaning if the grapes aren’t found in Burgundy, then Au Bon Climat doesn’t produce that wine. In Burgundy, white wines are limited to Aligoté, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay. Starting in 1990, Au Bon Climat made single varietal Pinot Blanc, and with the 1995 vintage, a single varietal Pinot Gris. These wines showed great promise, leading to the first Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc blend in 1997. The wine was so successful that it has become a staple in the Au Bon Climat portfolio ever since, with the percentages of each variety changing with each vintage.

The Pinot Gris primarily comes from the Sierra Madre Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley. Established in the early 1970s, it has changed hands five times in the last 40 years, including five years under Mondavi ownership in the late 1990s. Mondavi's investment significantly benefitted the vineyard. Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Sierra Madre has only 12 acres of Pinot Gris. The Pinot Blanc comes from Bien Nacido, recognized as one of the world's elite vineyards. With these two excellent fruit sources, creating this wonderfully expressive wine each year is straightforward.

Blend: 60% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc