North Yuba AVA Sauvignon Blanc Blend.pdf

This artisanal wine from the North Yuba American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California's Sierra Nevada foothills is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Roussanne, and 10% Semillon. Crafted by winemakers Aaron and Cara Mockrish, it showcases the region's unique characteristics.

Vineyard & Viticulture:
- Located at 500-600 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from warm days and cool mountain winds, creating a significant diurnal temperature range.
- Vines are planted on small hills with northeast to southwest slopes, on a mix of metamorphic and volcanic soils.
- Practicing organic and sustainable viticulture, the Mockrishes work the vineyards by hand, using sheep for weed control and natural fertilizers. They minimize chemical use, only employing elemental sulfur for mildew prevention.

Winemaking:
- Varieties are picked and fermented separately based on ripening times (10-12 days apart). Sauvignon Blanc is harvested over 10 days, followed by Semillon and Roussanne.
- Grapes are foot trodden in open top bins and pressed off the skins, fermenting with natural yeasts.
- After all fermentations, the wines are blended in tank and aged in neutral 225L French oak for winter. No fining or filtering is performed, and only minimal SO2 (15-25ppm) is added at bottling.

Tasting Notes:
The wine presents a pale gold hue with a rich aromatic profile of apricot, hay, and lemon peel. On the palate, it offers a balance of fresh nectarine acidity and a mealy texture.

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, this wine is available at Frenchtown Farms' website (www.frenchtownfarms.com).