Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Extended Lees Aged Grenache Blanc Applegate Valley 2022
Product Story
Grenache Blanc is a wonderfully versatile grape that adds both body and acidity to blends (it’s most often used in white blends), as well as acidity and sometimes a bit of structure. It is a native of Spain but it is most often associated with the wines of France’s Rhône Valley. Fortunately it is becoming popular with a handful of adventurous winemakers in the USA. This is Troon’s first varietally labeled Grenache Blanc and it has made quite an entrance. There was a bit of Grenache Blanc utilized in their Piquette! from 2022 but this solo effort shows us all what Grenache Blanc can be. This first crop of Grenache Blanc at Troon was very small — just three barrels — and hopefully there will be more in fixture vintages. This wine underwent a very long and slow fermentation in neutral French oak, as well an extended bit of aging on its lees (17 months). This later step contributes to the wine’s creamy texture and complex flavors. The wine’s generous natural acidity acts as the perfect foil to the creamy core. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered further protecting its texture and true nature. It’s an amazing Grenache Blanc debut from Troon! Get it while it lasts.
Brand Story
Troon Vineyard started quietly over four decades ago when Dick Troon planted vineyards in Southern Oregon. He sold grapes to local wineries but soon discovered that the best business decision was to create his own wines. He converted his barn to a winery and slowly built the brand until he sold the winery to his friend Larry Martin in 2003. Today, Troon Vineyard is owned by Dr. Bryan White and Denise White. The Whites along with Craig Camp, general manager, and winemaker Nate Wall lead the innovative wine making efforts at Troon. Nate has extensive winemaking experience in the Willamette Valley and brings a nuanced, almost Pinot Noir approach to winemaking. Craig is a wine industry veteran with a sharp palate, encyclopedic knowledge of the wines of the world, and relentless energy. Troon offers a wonderfully diverse selection of varietal wines and blends ranging from Malbec to Grenache and Vermentino to name just a few. Beginning with the 2018 vintage the fruit utilized by Troon was farmed 100% organically and biodynamically. All Troon wines were crushed by foot, fermented with only native yeasts with no additives of any kind. If you are seeking unique wines with style and gusto you need to get acquainted with Troon Vineyard.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of pineapple, pear, and slate with supporting notes of yellow plum, lychee, citrus zest, and honeysuckle. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of orange peel, apricot, white peach, quince paste, lemon curd, and hints of bees wax. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.
How to Serve
This wine really needs nothing but a glass but you may like it with grilled fowl especially if generous herbs and garlic are to be found as well.
Price: $ 40
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4407
