Rhyolite White 2023, NoneSuch Wines

A spectacular example of something that is greater than the sum of its parts, this wine takes the bright acidity and minerality of Assyrtiko, the green and yellow stone fruits of Falanghina, and the honeyed roundness of Ribolla Gialla, and merges them into a cohesive, complex white blend that delights all the senses. Aromas of wet stones, yellow nectarines, and fresh honeycomb give way to a mouth-watering mineral texture that lingers on the palate. Rich and crisp at the same time, with just enough phenolic bitterness, and a finish that reminds you that these grapes come from volcanic soils.

Rhyolite is a type of volcanic soil found in each of the 3 vineyards here in Sonoma
County; it is silica-rich and often contains black obsidian, pumice, and ash-based tuff.
One barrel of Assyrtiko was made from the beautiful Preston Vineyard in Dry Creek
Valley. This organically farmed half acre was planted because of a love for the
high-acid mineral-driven wines from Santorini.

Three barrels of Falanghina were made from vines grown on a steep volcanic hillside
in Dry Creek Valley. The variety, planted here in 2011, needs significant heat to ripen
and yet holds on to its vibrant natural acidity.

Three barrels of Ribolla Gialla were made from a tiny plot planted in 2017 in the
foothills of the Chalk Hill region. The organically farmed vineyard sits in morning fog
from the Russian River that runs just 2 miles away. The soils here are classic rhyolite
volcanic cobble, with chunks of pumice, basalt and obsidian.

The sites were harvested and fermented separately in stainless steel with native yeast
and native malolactic bacteria. Aged in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels for 9
months, 168 cases produced, 12% abv

About the Winery

Embracing minimalist winemaking techniques in order to express vineyard terroir fully, the grapes are hand-harvested and foot tread, fermented whole-cluster naturally with native yeasts, and aged in entirely neutral oak barrels.