The Santa Lucia Highland's cool climate is well suited to Pinot Gris. The R&D Franscioni Vineyard is the exclusive source of the grapes for this wine.
The Vineyard
The R&D Franscioni Vineyard is directly across from Rosella’s Vineyard in the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands on sandy loam soils on the east-facing bench lands overlooking the Salinas Valley. The Santa Lucia Highlands region is rated Zone 1 (coolest) on the UC Davis scale and summer daytime high temperatures average in the mid-70’s.
The Vintage
The 2006 vintage ran about a month later than normal, due to a cold, wet spring that delayed the fruit set. The summer weather was typical for the region. The Pinot Gris harvest was completed in October, with average crop loads showing brightly flavored fruit that retained much of its natural acidity.
Vinification and Aging
Following a gentle whole cluster pressing, Pinot Gris is cold fermented in stainless steel to preserve the freshness of the fruit. After fermentation the wine is racked into three year-old French oak barrels for three months to soften the texture slightly and add complexity without oak flavors. The wine was bottled in February 2007 to capture the bright flavors and crisp acidity.
Aromas & Flavors
Include pineapple, papaya, sweet coconut, figs, pears, floral, and lime. The wine finishes crisp, clean, and dry as the proverbial bone.
