2018 Pinot Grigio San Benito
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Varietal
Vintage
Appellation
Alcohol
Vintage Notes
After the dramatic end to the 2017 vintage the 2018 vintage was a return to normal, although a normal we've not seen in years. Mild conditions throughout flowering meant fruit set was extended and successful, ultimately leading to high yields slowing down ripening. The hot temperatures in July and August relented from September onward. There were no late season heat spikes or serious harvest rain events which meant the hang time of the grapes could be extended. The result was naturally balanced wines, lower in alcohol that retained good amounts of natural acidity. This was one of the longest harvests we've seen since 2011, starting on the 31st of August and ending on the 5th of November and can be summed up as a "Classic" vintage. Definitely one to follow closely.
Vineyard Notes
Our Pinot Grigio comes from the rolling Piacine hills of San Benito AVA, where the well drained limestone soils pair well with a moderated climate and precision viticulture. The valleys in this region help channel cool air from the cold Pacific Ocean only 20 or 30 miles away from the vineyard, thus reducing day and night time temperatures. Well suited to Pinot Grigio, the region is often cooler than many parts of the Napa Valley, yet receives the same amount of sunlight, preserving the bright acidity and developing the expressive aromatics of the grape.