2018 Roussanne-Viognier

Wine Creek Ranch, Dry Creek Valley

The microclimate at our home ranch is well suited for southern Rhône varietals - red and white both excelling equally - when combined with thoughtful vineyard management. Our mélange of Roussanne Viognier combines two assertive varieties into an expressive wine overflowing with aromatics and texture.

WINEMAKING NOTES
Roussanne is the "Goldilocks" of white varieties demanding much attention to canopy management and sun exposure. Viognier is a bit more obliging but still requires a careful eye through the growing cycle. Phased picking brought natural acid, alcohol balance, and layers of aromas/flavors. Whole-cluster pressing with limited controlled skin contact ensured balance. Cool fermentation with lees contact in both tank and barrel added mouthfeel texture and allowed natural settling minimizing wine handling prior to bottling. No malolactic fermentation. The wines are given targeted air exposure through 500L puncheons.

THE WINE
These thick-skinned varieties provide the wine a natural golden color. The combination of Roussanne and Viognier is like a ballet on your palate with exotic fruits taking you on interconnected, but different, exciting directions. The aromatics are floral and perfume-like with a distinct, and delightful, presence of orange blossom honey. Flavors include tropical notes of pineapple, guava, and green banana along with peach and pluot. We love the cool, juicy acidity
peppered with a crisp grassiness that leads to an extended mineral-driven finish. We savor this wine with Thai peanut noodles, vegetarian spring rolls, lobster, grilled or pan-seared halibut, or pâté. It holds up beautifully to spicy dishes, trust us. Try it with anything youd serve with a Chardonnay, youll be pleasantly surprised. This wine will continue to be glorious through 2024-2026.

250 cases

90 points Wine Spectator
90 points Wine Enthusiast

Technical Notes
APPELLATION Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
VINEYARDS 100% Wine Creek Ranch, Quivira's home vineyard, CCOF-certified organic
COMPOSITION 80% Roussanne, 20% Viognier