Populis 2022 Macerated White (Orange), California

Vineyard Notes: Grapes for the Populis 2022 Macerated White are sourced from 3 vineyards:
Lolonis Vineyard, Redwood Valley AVA, Mendocino, CA (Chardonnay)
Vista Luna Vineyard, Borden Ranch AVA, Lodi, CA (Albariño & Grenache blanc)
Il Mio Vigneto Vineyard, Clement Hills AVA, Lodi, CA (Ribolla Gialla & Sauvignon Blanc)

From glacial alluvial deposits (Vista Luna) to volcanic uplifts (Il Mio Vigneto), the soils throughout Lodi can be incredibly variable. The hot days bring great phenological ripening conditions, while the Delta breeze cools the vines drastically in the evening, preserving freshness. The soils throughout Redwood Valley and the Ukiah/Calpella area are based on sedimentary erosion from eons of glaciers and rainfall in these regions. The proportions of sand, silt and clay vary depending on the site and these variations can have a tremendous impact on the mouthfeel and acid profile of the wines., adding minerality and structure to the wines.

Farming across all the sites is organic with the utmost care and respect paid to the local environment.

Winemaking Notes: Each vineyard was harvested and fermented separately. The Chardonnay and Ribolla Gialla were macerated and fermented to dryness and pressed after 14 days. The Grenache blanc saw a short maceration of 5 days and was pressed at the peak of fermentation. The Albariño and Sauvignon blanc were pressed directly with no maceration. The wines were raised separately in stainless and Flextanks and blended after 6 months of aging. 18 ppm of sulfur was added just prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes: The maceration on the skins lends this wine exceptional texture and mouthfeel. Approximately ⅓ of the blend is not macerated, which helps to soften and lighten the structure of the wine, giving a very juicy and drinkable skin-macerated white wine. Notes of apricot, apple and stone fruit stand out on the nose, but a fine streak of minerality, plushness and acid carries the wine through the finish.