You've never had a wine like this before.
Dreamer, meet Occhiali da Sole, a 100% Trousseau Gris from the iconic Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Planted in 1981 by Peter Fanucchi and his father Arcangelo, this Russian River Valley vineyard grows in sandy loam soils and is farmed organically. Home to the last plantings of Trousseau Gris in the US, gaining access to Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard's scarce fruit is like finding the holy grail.
If you're thinking, "I've never heard of Trousseau Gris," here's the breakdown: a mutation from the red variety Trousseau Noir, Trousseau Gris is a white variety sometimes referred to as Grey Riesling. Producing crisp, aromatic white wines, this variety was once widely planted across California before falling out of popularity in the 1980s. Today, just one 10-acre block remains.
Harvested on September 1st, this Trousseau Gris was some of the first fruit we brought in for the 2021 harvest. After foot-stomping and a cold soak for two days on the skins, we delicately pressed the clusters to extract just the right amount of color without harsh textures or flavors and began fermentation in stainless steel. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in neutral oak barrels and bottled by our team this past June.
Let us reiterate: this is the best Trousseau Gris we've ever made. Perfect for lounging in the last of the late-summer sun, Occhiali da Sole is a reminder to throw on some rose-colored shades and let all your troubles melt away. The color of a peachy-orange sunset with enticing aromas of rosewater and zesty citrus, this wine draws you in from the moment it hits your glass. On the palate, we get these mouth-watering flavors of lychee, earl grey tea, and a touch of cranberry. The balanced acidity with a slightly textural tannin structure makes this wine an ideal pairing for shellfish, poolside fare, or watching the sun disappear over the horizon.