Vina Robles White 4

Green apple Jolly Rancher candies, melon, white flowers, grapefruit, white peach . . . everyone in our wine tasting group was picking up different notes.  This is what happens when uninhibited winemakers combine grapes as diverse as Viognier, Vermentino, Verdelho, and Sauvignon Blanc to create the flavors found in Vina Robles White4.          

Estate grown in Paso Robles California, the grapes used in the blend are an interesting mix of familiar and less familiar varietals and each grape was selected for what it could add to the blend.  Tasting Pour asked Vina Robles Winemaker, Kevin Willenborg, to explain the reasons behind this unique blend.  “The attributes of these varietals synergistically enhance each other to create a bold fruit forward, yet complex wine with balanced acidity.”

Willenborg found notes of “Mandarin orange and peach” from the Viognier.  Viognier is not an easy grape to get right.  Classically grown in France’s Northern Rhone, it ripens very quickly and can be high in alcohol and low in acidity. But, what this grape lacks in acidity it makes up for in body and rich floral, perfume, honey and stone fruit flavors. 

The Verdelho grape is interestingly a Portuguese grape used to produce a fortified wine called Verdelho, one of the drier styles of Madeira.  Willenborg gives it credit for “citrus and melon notes” in the blend. Vermentino is used for “mineral[ity] and mouth feel.”   Vermentino is another grape that we may not think about very often in the US.  It is better known in Italy and the French owned island of Corsica.  

  

Growing conditions in Paso Robles vary depending in part on whether the vineyards are cooled at night by ocean air or high elevation.  At the Vina Robles estate Viognier, Verdelho and Vermentino are grown in the Huerhuero Vineyard where cooling ocean breezes slow ripening and help grapes retain their important acidity. 

  

Just like a good cook might squeeze in some lemon juice to brighten a dish, Willenborg has added Sauvignon Blanc.  Yes, we recognize the telltale flavors of Sauvignon Blanc.  It is the source of tropical fruit found on the nose and palate, and adds acidity to balance the fatness and softness of the Viognier.  Vina Robles’ Sauvignon Blanc is grown in their Jardine Vineyard which is slightly warmer than some of their other sites.  One of the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc grown in warmer climates is more fruitiness.

Vina Robles’ motto is “European Inspiration – California Character.”  For owner, Hans Nef, this means “wines are made in a style that combines the balance often associated with European wines and the clean, bright fruit often associated with California wines.”  We think this is reflected in the fresh mouthwatering fruity sensation that tempts us to simply pair this wine with a glass.  The quality, however, reminds us that Vina Robles White4 is also a food wine.  Don’t miss the opportunity to have this with a variety of dishes including pasta, white sauces, and seafood.  Tasting Pour tried this wine with an omelet of mushroom, local pasture raised ham, and aged white cheddar – a simple and a pleasant pairing.

As is always the case when our group really likes a wine, someone finally asked the price.  Expecting a special occasion price tag, they were happy and surprised when we told them ~$15 a bottle.