Folle Blanche is related to Gouais blanc and is also known by the name “Picpoule”. It is however, not related to the Picpoul variety from Languedoc or Gros Plant and Enrageat Blanc. This light skinned grape variety has been mostly substituted with the hybrid Baco blanc because of damage from phylloxera. After the disease ravaged Folle Blanche vines, growers replaced the vincs with the Ugnu-Blanc variety. The Folle Blanche variety is produced in the Loire Valley of France near Nantes to create the wine Gros Plant du Pays Nantis. The Loire Valley region suits almost 8,000 acres of the Folle Blanche variety and it is planted in vineyards throughout France. The strong, dry and acidic wine goes nicely with shellfish. Folle Blanche is also the variety used in Cognac. Folle Blanche works well to create brandy, but because it ripens late in the year and is sensitive to rot and disease, it is not a popular choice for many growers. In the Loire region of France, Folle Blanche is sometimes used to create a varietal wine, but typically Folle Blanche is used to blend with other grape varieties. Folle Blanche produces light, crisp wines that are acidic and it typically generates a large amount of juice. When ripe, the fruit is semi round and is yellowish green in color.
Wolfberger Alsace Edelzwicker is made from 40 % Pinot Blanc, 30% Riesling, 15% Gewurztraminer and 15 % Muscat
Edelzwicker has a nose of grilled almonds and walnuts, with a light floral hint following. The first sip shows its true character: fresh and lemony with vegetal, herbaceous flavor. It is round and easy drinking, not overpowering and finishes clean.
Each grape variety is harvested individually in early or mid-October on the most suitable date for each vineyard.
It is a good companion for food without ever dominating it. In Alsace it is served by the glass or in large jugs to partner regional specialties. In general Edelzwicker goes well with fresh salads, cold or warm starters, but also with oysters, mussels and seafood. It should always be served chilled, around 10 ° C.
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Summum Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Summum Chardonnay is the unofficial tête de cuvée of our lineup at Evening Land Vineyards. Fruit for Summum comes from just 14 vine rows that form the backbone of the Seven Springs Estate. Here, soils were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions that sent blazing lava down the current vineyard’s slopes – and today, we’re lucky enough to farm our vines in these mineral-laden soils. The 2019 Summum Chardonnay is medium-bodied and bright, marked by flavors of lemon skin, baked apple, and a touch of sweet spice that leads to a satiny, harmonious finish. For a unique taste of Oregon’s rather untapped potential for high-end Chardonnay, this bottle is it.
Review:
Shows dimension and presence, with elegantly multilayered flavors of Meyer lemon, apple skin, yeasty lees and crushed stone that gather richness and steely opulence on the lingering finish. Drink now
-Wine Spectator 95 Points
The grapes for this wine were grown in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, where soils are transitional from gravel to silty clay loam. The climate is moderate to cool with marine air until mid-morning and frequent late afternoon breezes that maintain cooler temperatures and ensure a longer growing season. Chardonnay from this region showcase flavors of crisp apple, mineral notes and tropical fruit with good acidity.
Aromas of lemon curd, sweet butter, brioche and sun-ripened peach mingle with notes of nutmeg and vanilla bean. The palate is creamy, with zesty lemon overtones and minerality persisting on the finish.