This was a great find, 60-year-old Chenin Blanc vines planted in Pope Valley! Chenin blanc in Napa used to be widely planted several decades ago but a miniscule 14 acres remain. We hand harvested and whole cluster pressed the juice into a small 75-gallon concrete vessel and one neutral French oak barrel where natural fermentation occurred in cool cellar temperatures. No malolactic was performed so the wine retains its natural bright acidity. Aged on its lees with light stirring during 9 months in concrete, there is a nice balance of acid and fruit in this Chenin Blanc. Delicate minerality on the nose and on the palate, baked apples, ripe pears and just a hint of ginger.  Only 100 cases were bottled!

About Chenin Blanc:

Chenin Blanc is a white grape with a long and storied history, originating in the Loire Valley of France. It dates back to the 9th century in Anjou, where it was cultivated in the area now known as the AOC of Anjou and Saumur. By the 15th century, the grape became firmly associated with the Loire Valley and was referred to as “Plant d’Anjou.” Its modern name, Chenin Blanc, likely comes from Mont Chenin, a monastery near Tours where the grape was widely cultivated. Chenin Blanc traveled outside France during European colonization, most notably to South Africa, where it was introduced in the 17th century by Dutch settlers. Known locally as “Steen,” it became the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa. Initially, it was used primarily for brandy production, but in recent decades, South African producers have shifted focus to high-quality Chenin Blanc wines, helping the variety gain global recognition.