The cool Russian River Valley is home turf for many of the finest Pinot Noirs made in America. Less well known is the district’s affinity for Sauvignon Blanc. Balletto produces one of the best. This vintage is fresh clean and crisp, with mouth-watering aromas of citrus and melon. The winemaker ferments in neutral oak barrels, which allow for greater lees contact (for texture) without imparting a strong oak impression. A portion if the barrels also go through malolactic fermentation, with reduces some of the Sauvignon’s natural tartness. It’s a beautiful thing.
Balletto, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Sauvignon Blanc 2017
By Robert Whitley