From Crisp to Complex
Explore our new Knights Valley wines, 2022 Alluvium Blanc and 2022 Mountain Rosé
We are ecstatic to introduce you to two spectacular Knights Valley wines - the 2022 Alluvium Blanc and the 2022 Mountain Rosé. Two prime examples of the range of styles and flavors we can achieve in the remarkable Knights Valley region. From the crisp, complex Alluvium Blanc, a Bordeaux-style white wine that elevates Knights Valley beyond red wines, to our Malbec Mountain Rosé, a nod to Beringer's famed White Zinfandel, these wines are a testament to the authentic and innovative spirit of Beringer Vineyards. Join us in celebrating our two newest wines as we continue to push the boundaries of what Knights Valley wines can be.
2022 Alluvium Blanc
With a pale straw color in the glass, the Alluvium Blanc’s aromas of key lime and gooseberry are immediately apparent, clean, and energetic. Awapuhi ginger flower blossoms, wet stone, and Himalayan salt notes leap out of the glass and help support lifted floral aromas of white flower blossom. On the palate, fresh acidity on the entrance helps to keep the fruit flavors focused and makes for a mouth-watering experience evolving into saline, juicy Asian pear and oyster shells. For the best tasting experience, serve chilled and enjoy upon release.
WINEMAKING
The Alluvium Blanc is crafted in a very cold, tight and reductive style utilizing the 'stabulation' process to increase aromatics. The grapes are kept cold and whole cluster pressed after harvesting. The juice post-pressing remains cold, at around 30F-32F and mixed daily for up to 3 weeks before beginning fermentation. Fermentation itself is low and slow at 50F and can take weeks to complete. Once done, the wine is racked clean off its lees to preserve the crisp, clean profile. The wine is stored in stainless steel vessels until bottling.
2022 Mountain Rosé
Displaying a bright salmon pink hue with a shiny rose gold rim, the Mountain Rosé leaps out of the glass in both scent and color. Aromas of flinty-ripe starfruit, marshmallow, watermelon taffy, and cotton blossom emerge and intertwine to create a delightful sensory experience. Upon tasting, the wine reveals a plush mouthfeel with a bright acidity, showcasing flavors of Alpine strawberry cream, Casaba melon, and finishing with ripe feijoa. This refreshing and well-balanced wine is the perfect accompaniment to warm spring days and cool summer evenings. Drink fresh to enjoy the lush fruit flavors and aromas at their apotheosis.
WINEMAKING
Crafted to be aromatic, bright, and fruit forward, the Mountain Rosé utilizes the 'stabulation' process to increase aromatics to their limit. The fruit is kept cold as whole clusters are pressed immediately after harvesting. The juice is left on the skins for the minimum amount of time to provide a very light touch of color. This is where the ‘stabulation’ technique is implemented. Post-pressing, the juice is kept cold at around 30F-32F and mixed daily for up to 3 weeks before beginning its fermentation. This imparts more flavor and helps the wine develop even more aromatic intensity while still keeping visual clarity. The fermentation itself is low and slow at 50F and can often take weeks to complete. Once fermentation is completed, the wine is racked clean off its lees and stored in stainless steel vessels to preserve the bright aromatics until bottling.
Knights Valley
Beringer Vineyards has owned and farmed its Knights Valley vineyards since the mid-1960’s, when the Beringer family recognized that the cobbled alluvial soils were a great place to grow high quality wine grapes. The Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974. Beringer was instrumental in garnering official recognition for the area in 1983 as a premier wine growing region in the form of its own American Viticulture Area (AVA) designation.
Located in a remote and bucolic location in Sonoma County just 17 miles north of the Beringer Napa winery, Knights Valley lies in the shadow of Mount St. Helena with hilly terrain that descends to rocky, alluvial soils where ancient rivers once ran. Not only has Knights Valley proved an exemplary producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, it also has an excellent combination of terrain, microclimates and soils for a variety of experiments in viticulture that inform Beringer's finest wines and will continue to do so for vintages to come. The 2022 Alluvium and 2022 Mountain Rose honor the unique physical aspects of this beautiful vineyard area.
