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'Grigio e Bianco' simply means 'Gray and White' in Italian, and refers to the grape varieties used in this blend. This is Carmichael's only white wine, which continues the brand premise of creating one-of-a-kind blends from Monterey, based on varietals native to the Mediterranean basin.
Tasting Notes
Light in color with a very floral bouquet, one's initial impression of our 2005 Grigio e Bianco might be that it is a simple, fruity wine. But with each new sniff and taste, it offers another layer of complexity for those who take the time to look. Notes of lavender and lanolin come from the Pinot Grigio, with mango and sweet pea coming from the cool-site Sauvignon Blanc. Contrary to its fresh and delicate aromas, the 2005 'GeB' has a depth and presence about it once tasted. There is a lightness up front, where herb and orange blossom tones transition to a pervasive lemon candy mid-palate, which then yields to a clean, lingering lemon peel finish. This harder, more structured edge is driven by the barrel-fermented Chardonnay component. Floral and exotic, while at the same time carrying good weight and balance, this unusual (and delicious) blend is a very versatile wine, well-suited to patio sipping or simple, lighter pasta, fish, and chicken dishes.
Vineyard Data
Most of this wine hails from the ultra-premium ‘Arroyo Seco’ appellation, an area that is highly respected for its ability to turn out excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio (and other cool-weather varieties too). But Sauvignon Blanc usually thrives in warmer climes, so it is a very unique site that can produce the ripe flavors and aromas found in this blend. If sourced in the lowest spots of the region, in the old cobblestone riverbed, these extremely well-drained sites can generate flavors normally not seen in such cool areas. The fruit is completely devoid of the ‘green’ qualities one might expect, and the resulting wines are delicate and complex. Very special!
Fermentation Data
Our 2005 Grigio e Bianco is made in a crisp and clean style, with just a touch of barrel fermentation to give it some body and complexity. Following the same basic formula as our successful debut vintage, this blend plays up the fruity and floral qualities of Pinot Grigio (45% of the mix) alongside the melon and herbal notes of the Sauvignon Blanc (43%) making for a fresh and exotic base wine. The addition of 12% barrel-fermented Chardonnay (from older wood) lends sophistication and harmonizes the blend.
Technical Data
Alcohol: 14.2%; pH: 3.53; T.A.: 0.65g/100mL; R.S.: less than 0.05%
Blend Composition
All Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc (88% of blend) cold fermented in stainless steel tanks, all Chardonnay (12% of blend) fermented in neutral French barrels.
Bottled
February 20, 2006
Production
375 cases
