2025 Grenache Blanc

Lemongrass, white flowers, and wet stone aromas are accented by notes of ginger spice and lemon zest, leading into a light- to medium-bodied palate of Asian pear, nectarine, and lemon pith. Fresh and focused, the wine shows crisp acidity, mineral purity, and a subtle phenolic texture reminiscent of white tea. The finish is long and persistent. LL (7/26)

Warm days and cool evenings in a region with limestone-rich soils allowed the grapes to ripen fully while retaining vibrant natural acidity. Whole cluster pressed and then fermented in a range of vessels, including amphora, concrete, stainless steel, and oak, contributed complex aromas and a layered mouthfeel. Barrel aged for nine months, this wine is delicious now and will develop over the next four to five years. LL (4/26)

Western Paso Robles is the epicenter of new Rhône plantings in California. We first sourced Rhône grapes for our Grenache Blanc from Adelaida Vineyards. This was followed by a second bottling with grapes from Halter Ranch. Both vineyards are in the cooler climate and limestone soils of the Adelaida Hills District within the Paso Robles AVA. Then Mike Dusi approached us about planting Grenache Blanc at his nearby Fossil Creek Vineyard if we would be interested in the grapes, and we said yes. In 2022 we received the first Fossil Creek grapes and out of curiosity did a trial blend with fruit from all three vineyards. We found the resulting wine superior to the wines made separately from each vineyard.

Rainfall: 22 inches at Adelaida and 14 inches at Fossil Creek (below normal)
Bloom: Early May
Weather: A long cool growing season without any major heat events ripened the grapes slowly and evenly.

Harvest Dates: 27 August – 13 October
Grapes: Average Brix 22.1˚
TA: 5.8 g/L
pH: 3.14
Fermentation: 100% direct-to-press whole cluster. 100% natural primary and secondary (malolactic) fermention.
Barrels: Fermented in a combination of vessels—91% oak barrel, 5% stainless steel, 2.5% concrete egg, and 1.5% clay amphora— barrel aged in 100% American oak (3% new, 6% two years old, 7% three years old, 15% four years old, and 69% five years old).

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 (35 ppm at crush and 85 ppm during aging); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

OwenBargreen.com: 93 Points “Sourced from the Fossil Creek and Adelaida Vineyards, the 2025 Ridge Grenache Blanc has small portions Picpoul and Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc blended in. This is a broad-shouldered and rich bottling that is best served on the slightly warmer side. Nutty nuances combine with banana, lychee and ripe peach on the nose. The palate is lush and filled with mouth-watering acidity, as a gorgeous melange of citrus, tropical and melon fruits greet you. Drink 2026-2033.” -Owen Bargreen (July 2026)

See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.