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2023
Pinot Noir Blanc
Handley Estate Vineyard, Anderson Valley

Pinot Noir Blanc, a white wine made from red Pinot Noir grapes has become a new favorite here at Handley. Made with organically grown grapes from our Handley Estate block 7, Dijon clone 777. This clone has larger berries than most Pinot Noir selections which helps to lessen any color picked up from the skins. Mild temperatures over the summer allowed for a long hang time to fully ripen the fruit at lower sugars while maintaining bright acidity. Cold whole cluster fruit was pressed very gently and stopped when pink juice was noticed. Fermentation was initiated in tank and racked to neutral 500-liter puncheons while still fermenting to age for 5 months. Time in barrels with stirring on the lees helped to soften and integrate the natural acidity. Malolactic fermentation was avoided to preserve its fresh fruit flavors. Aromas of cherry blossoms, dried apricots, custard, and toasted hazel nuts. Round on the palette with flavors of Rainier cherries, white nectarines, and ripe cantaloupe ending with a bright finish with notes of peach pit.

Cases Produced: 195
Alcohol: 12.5% (12.7%)
pH: 3.41
TA: 5.6 g/L
Residual Sugar Dry-1/g/L or 0.1%