New Release
Etudes Wines Pinot Gris Carneros 750ml bottle

Grace Benoist Ranch

2018 Etude Pinot Gris, Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros Estate

Vintage 2018
Wine Type White
Varietal Pinot Gris
Region Carneros
Winemaker Jon Priest

Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before the harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines with authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of where they are grown and produced.

We produce a distinctive, highly enjoyable style of Pinot Gris that is seamlessly aromatic, supple and dry.

Tasting Notes

Simply pretty and light on its feet, this classic Pinot Gris offers a solid acid backbone with aromas and flavors of pear, applesauce and stone fruit, with hints of quince, lime and peach blossoms. A touch of spice adds intrigue, leading to a notable, persistent finish.

Vineyard Notes

This wine is crafted from grapes grown at our Estate Vineyard, Grace Benoist Ranch. Certified Alsatian clones are planted here in deep, well-drained loamy soils which are perfect for capturing memorable flavors. The cooler temperatures driven by nearby San Pablo Bay provide for a long and even growing season, allowing the Pinot Gris fruit to fully ripen while still preserving natural acidity.

The Grace Benoist Estate vineyard is farmed to Etude’s exacting standards, using environmentally sound viticultural practices. We grow, and ultimately harvest, focusing on intensity of flavor, strong varietal delineation and ideal natural balance. Etude is sustainably certified under the Napa Green program at the winery, while Grace Benoist Ranch is certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Vintage Notes

A near perfect season, welcomed after several tense vintages, began with abundant February rains followed by drying sun and weather that allowed for even flowering and bud break. The slightly later start was followed by consistently ideal weather, with harvest for Rosé in early September. Generally normal to heavier fruit with great flavor and complexity will be the hallmark of the season.

Winemaking Notes

We harvested the Pinot Gris into small bins at night and rushed them to our winery in order to retain the freshness and purity of the fruit. After gently pressing the whole clusters, the juice for the 2018 Pinot Gris was transferred to small, 75-gallon stainless steel barrels for fermentation, and then allowed to mature undisturbed for five months sur lie (ageing on the lees), enhancing the silky texture and mouthfeel, before a very gentle bottling. The wine never touches a sliver of oak, nor does any portion undergo malolactic fermentation. Residual Sugar is modest, at 0.7gms/L.

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