Jolie Laide Pinot Gris, California, USA

Not your typical Pinot Gris – it surprises with a delicate pink hue, a result of gentle foot-crushing and a cold soak. A wildly perfumed nose of fresh melon, stone fruit, bergamot and crisp cantaloupe. On the palate there is a gorgeous chalky texture and refreshing acidity.

91/100 – An attractive colored PG that’s more like a light rose with delicate cherry, mineral, and light gun metal aromas and flavors. Medium body. Layered and creamy with plenty of grape and apple skin texture. Nice flavors. Drink now. – James Suckling

Healdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County, in the North Bay region of California.

VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING 

A true example of ‘New California,’ lots about Jolie-Laide isn’t ‘new’ at all. In the words of Scott, “the do-nothing approach isn’t new by any means; it’s just funny how far many have gotten away from it.” By placing their focus on finding great fruit from sustainably farmed sites, the duo create wines of alluring tension, complexity, and concentration. The winemaking is simple, distinguished by low intervention techniques. The fruit is harvested much earlier than most in California, around a month before typical harvest. This preserves natural acidity, keeping the wines fresh and bright with low alcohol levels.

Foot crushed, whole cluster fermented, and aged in neutral oak, each wine reveals the singularity of its site and vintage. All ferments are done with native yeasts and the grape musts tend to be higher acid, allowing for no added SO2 at the press, and minimal at bottling. In their pursuit of free expression and personal growth, each wine receives a new label every year. Painted by local artists across the Bay Area, the imagery pays tribute to the distinctness of each vintage. No two bottles of Jolie-Laide are ever exactly the same. Rather, each taste is a celebration of the year and seasons in which they are made. Already some of the most sought-after wines in the state, it is no surprise that Jolie-Laide is being heralded as one of California’s most exciting producers.