2023 Balverne Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Balverne winery has made a commitment to create wines of quality and character while also being committed to the stewardship of the environment.

Bob and Renee Stein purchased the 710-acre Russian River Valley estate that included a working vineyard in 1992. With help from their vineyard and property manager, Doug Lumgair, the Steins recreated their sustainable vision for what would eventually become the Notre Vue (Our View) Estate. The team worked with determination to weave together the rugged wildlands and agricultural landscape in a way that would allow both to thrive with equal beauty and strength. As part of this effort, the Steins made the decision to protect 350 acres of Forever Wild open space.

For over two decades, the Steins have been selling grapes from the estate to many ultra-premium brands in Sonoma County. Today they are farming 250 acres of vineyard that is Certified Sustainable. Notre Vue’s unique terroir is located entirely within both the Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley appellations in north-eastern Sonoma County. The lower portion of the property lies at approximately 200 feet of elevation and is similar to much of the Russian River Valley, with deep, rich clay-loam soils. This area is often affected by the fog and cool winds that snake their way up through the river valley from the Pacific Ocean. This delicate marine influence affords their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay a long, cool growing season that allows for great flavor development and retention of natural acidity.

As one heads northeast through the vineyard, tracing the boundary of their Forever Wild nature preserve, there is nearly 800 feet of elevation gain. These hillside plantings lie on shallower soils with sedimentary bedrock at about 36 inches. These steep hillsides limit the vines’ access to water, naturally limiting vigor and yields, which produces grapes with more intensity and complexity. The higher elevation also allows for more sunlight and warmer mornings than the valley floor. These conditions create an ideal environment for growing their later ripening Bordeaux varieties.

The Balverne Sauvignon Blanc is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes grown in the Chalk Hill appellation. Sauvignon Blancs from this appellation are usually a little fruitier and lighter in body than the Sauvignon Blancs from France. The Balverne estate Sauvignon Blanc is no exception.

With its wide diurnal temperature shift and ample sunshine, Chalk Hill is a great AVA for growing Sauvignon Blanc. The block’s southwesterly exposure ensures fully ripe fruit character while cooler nightly temperatures aid in preserving the acidity of the grapes.

The grapes are hand-picked in the cool of the night into half-ton bins and immediately delivered to the winery. The grapes are sorted and sent to the press as whole clusters. Cold juice from the pan is then pumped to tanks where it is chilled and settled for several days using sulfite-reduction protocols. Clear juice is then racked off the solids and fermented slowly for three weeks at 55 degrees.

This wine is described by the winemaker thus: “…with a classic nose of bright citrus, tropical fruits, and grassy notes, this Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing. The palate offers up lightly honeyed lemon and grapefruit flavors, complemented by a streak of spicy lemongrass.”

Pair this wine with salads, seafood, vegetarian and spicy ethnic cuisine.