2020 Grenache Blanc

Pale-gold color. Aromas of green apple, lime, and a hint of cut green grass. Tart citrus fruit and firm acid on entry. Crushed rock mineral and a rich, clean aftertaste. SI (7/21)

Limestone soils, coupled with a warm climate, create ideal growing conditions for this wine. After whole cluster pressing, each varietal was fermented separately. Roussanne was included to enhance mouthfeel. Picpoul brings lively acidity and focus to the restrained stone fruit, mineral palate. This refreshing wine can be enjoyed immediately upon release and will gain complexity over the next four to five years.

This is our third Adelaida Vineyard bottling. Paso Robles is the epicenter of new Rhone plantings in California. We are fortunate to be able to source grapes from Adelaida Vineyards, who planted grenache blanc, roussanne, viognier and picpoul blanc among other more established varieties such as grenache noir, syrah and mourvedre (or mataro). Their vineyard lies on the limestone hills of the Adelaida District, thirteen miles from the Pacific coast. Warm days, cool nights and balanced vines promote great acidity in the grapes.

Rainfall: 28 inches
Bloom: Late May
Weather: Winter rains were light this year, totaling 28” in the Adelaida Hills. The vines yield was average, with good ripeness.

Harvest Dates: 12 & 14 September
Grapes: Average Brix 21.6˚
TA: 6.15 g/L
pH: 3.20
Fermentation: 100% direct-to-press whole cluster. 100% natural primary and secondary (malolactic) fermention.
Barrels:88% barrel aged in air-dried American oak barrels; 20% new, 80% two- to six-year-old).12% concrete tank aged.
Aging: Five months in barrel

Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested grapes; whole-cluster pressed; fermented on the native yeasts; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective SO2, 35ppm at crush and 40ppm during aging. Pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points “This bottling, which includes 15% Roussanne and 8% Picpoul, is a fascinatingly complex take on Grenache Blanc. Aromas of light honey, crushed pineapple and white rose are edged by a tinny, wet slate minerality. The palate is extremely grippy with pithy citrus flavors, then come waves of mango mochi and pineapple glaze, yet the texture never wavers.” -Matt Kettmann (December 2021)

Wine Spectator: 92 Points + Value Pick of the Week “Vivid, offering a mouthwatering mix of peach, lime and nectarine flavors. Juicy and fleshy, showing a hint of butterscotch, with notes of sea salt on the vibrant finish. Drink now.” -M.W. (December 2021)

OwenBargreen.com: 92 Points “Fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured, the 2020 Grenache Blanc by Ridge exudes class with its gooseberry, green papaya, white peach and stony mineral flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of finesse and salted Macadamia nut undercurrents, this beautiful wine has another seven plus years to go.” -Owen Bargreen (August 2021)

JebDunnuck.com: 90 Points “The 2020 Grenache Blanc comes from a site in Paso Robles and is 77% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne, and the rest Picpoul. It has a beautiful array of white flowers, honeyed stone fruits, and a touch of spice and chalkiness to go with a medium-bodied, balanced, elegant, yet nicely textured style on the palate. It’s going to drink well for 4-5 years or so.” -Jeb Dunnuck (August 2022)

Label PDF

Bottle Shot JPG

Tech Sheet PDF

SRP: suggested retail price per bottle (U.S. dollars).