Florez Wines Edelzwicker White Blend 2022

42% Pinot Gris, 33% Gewurtztraminer, 25% Riesling

Potter Valley, California

Winemaker’s Note: “My inspiration for this wine stems from the fond memories of traveling in Strasbourg, France and finding an ‘Edelzwicker’ in nearly every cafe. Traditionally served in petite green stemmed goblets — an Edelzwicker is an Alsatian blend (zwicker) composed of noble (edel) varieties. Most often comprised of Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and/or Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Chasselas and Pinot Blanc.

My second wave of inspiration comes from my time spent in the Anderson valley of California. Anderson valley has a long history of growing Alsatian varietals. Unfortunately, due to market pressures and the value of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, many growers have ripped out or grafted their Alsatian varieties. With values of often more than double you can’t entirely blame them, but they sort of lost something unique. What was once the yearly ‘Alsatian White Wine Festival’ is now just the ‘White Wine Festival’ dominated by Chardonnay.”

Vineyard: McFadden Vineyard in Potter Valley. Alluvial and gravel loams. Certified organic, run by Guiness McFadden, “a tall war veteran, fluent in at least three languages with stories of being blown off a battle ship. He proudly farms his bucolic and remote property CCOF. Amongst the vineyard you’ll find composting projects and organic herbs and veggies growing. In 2022 he did not even find it necessary to apply organic sprays in the vineyard.” 

Making of: Due to different ripening dates, each variety had a separate vinification. This allowed us to see the character of each variety. The fruit was crushed for some skin contact, pressed off and fermented in stainless. Following fermentation it was racked to barrel for aging on the lees for 6 months. Prior to bottling the wine was racked off the lies to stainless for assemblage to compile the final Edelzwicker. Unfined, unfiltered, and no added sulfites. 

Personality: This wine has a turbid pale yellow hue in glass. A punchy nose of stonefruit, peach, and bright lemon lime meet a refreshing and zesty palate. Serve with a chill and toast to keeping the spirit of Alsace alive and well in California.