2022 Matthiasson Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon

The 2022 Matthiasson Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon is a harmonious blend that showcases the winery’s dedication to crafting wines with balance and complexity.​

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Enticing scents of grapefruit, fresh-cut pineapple, flint, oat straw, dried fig, and beeswax. ​

• Palate: A clean, fresh citrusy acidity with tropical character from the Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by viscosity and waxiness from the Sémillon, adding gravity and weight. The acidity and fruit expression are balanced by a rich lees character and a faint backdrop of creamy oak. ​

Food Pairings with Caribbean Cuisine

The wine’s bright acidity and layered flavors make it a versatile companion to various Caribbean dishes:​

• Grilled Seafood: The wine’s citrusy acidity and tropical notes complement grilled fish like snapper or mahi-mahi, enhancing the dish’s freshness.​

• Spicy Dishes: Its balanced acidity can temper the heat in spicy dishes such as jerk chicken or spicy shrimp, providing a refreshing contrast.​

• Tropical Salads: Salads featuring ingredients like mango, avocado, or citrus fruits harmonize with the wine’s fruit expressions, enhancing the overall dining experience.​

Vineyard Technical Notes

• Varietal Composition: A 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, a traditional combination that dates back many years in Bordeaux. ​

• Vineyard Source: Both grape varieties are sourced from Ryan’s Vineyard, located on alluvial gravel in the cool and foggy southern part of Napa Valley. The vineyard benefits from daily wind currents from the San Francisco Bay, and native grasses are planted under the vines to encourage deep rooting in the gravelly soil. ​

• Winemaking: The fruit was very lightly whole-cluster-pressed, and the two varieties were harvested on the same day and co-fermented. The wine was aged for ten months in 15% new Boutes barrels, with no stirring, and malolactic fermentation was prevented to preserve acidity. ​

• Technical Specifications: The wine has a pH of 3.24, total acidity of 7.3 g/L, and an alcohol content of 12.0%. A total of 278 cases were produced. ​

This 2022 Matthiasson Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon exemplifies the winery’s commitment to producing balanced and expressive wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley.