The Au Bon Climat 2021 Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc is a versatile wine. The Pinot Gris provides firm acidity, while the Pinot Blanc gives a hint of green apple and broadens the palate. Blending these two varietals makes for a more interesting wine. It is light and refreshing, making it a good choice for an aperitif. It has enough body and intensity to pair with a wide range of cuisines. In the mouth the wine is rich and textural.
Pinot Gris are the first grapes harvested each year. Our crisp Pinot Gris is picked with low sugar and high acidity. The 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.
All the Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are harvested by hand, whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented in neutral French oak. Upon completion of malo-lactic fermentation, the wine is sulfured and rests surlees. After racking and processing, the wine was returned to barrel spending a total 6 months in the barrel before bottling. Early bottle whites usually require a light filtration.
Pairs well with pasta, pork, shellfish, and poultry dishes.