Pale gold color; white peach, lemongrass, bell pepper, mowed lawn on the nose; pear, lime, white peach, passionfruit, melon, citrus, tropical fruit on the palate.
Dry; good acidity, but not cutting. Fruit forward. Light-medium body. Pure sauv blanc play. Whole cluster pressed then aged 100% in temperature-controlled stainless steel, so you are tasting sauv blanc without the influence of oak or sémillion. The whole cluster effort produces a more delicate and less astringent wine by reducing contact time with stems and seeds. It is notable in this effort. Clean, precise, refreshing. Touch of tartness in mid-palate, but overall just an easy drinker with subtle nuances. 13.5% ABV
The fruit comes from five of District 7’s eleven certified sustainable vineyards. Some are located in the northern part of Monterey County where windy conditions contribute to the grassy and herbal traits. The other vineyards are 25 miles to the south where conditions are warmer and there is more sunshine, which emphasizes fruitiness.
This is a label of Scheid Family Wines, an operation started by patriarch Al Scheid in 1972. In the beginning, Scheid only sold grapes to other wineries. It has grown into a successful family winery bottling five different labels: Scheid Vineyards, District 7, Metz Road, VDR, and Stokes’ Ghost. The District 7 label references the official regional designation by the State of California.
District 7 takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The website notes: “Our family has farmed wine grapes in Monterey County, California since 1972. We are committed to cultivating a sustainable future from grapes to glass and as caretakers of our estate grown vineyards, we intend to do just that. Today, we are the proud stewards of 11 certified sustainable vineyards along with a state-of-the-art winery that is entirely powered by renewable wind energy. At our core, we strive to grow and produce delicious wines in a way that is good for the environment and good for our community.” Visit the website’s sustainability pages for the full, inspiring story.
District 7 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown, Monterey, California 2019 is fun, fruity, nuanced, quaffable. Pure expression of sauvignon blanc from California’s greater Central Coast AVA. Expected zesty acidity, but restrained, especially for a sauv blanc. Many sippers will appreciate that. The same can be said of the aromatics. It adds up to a tasty, somewhat laid-back iteration of sauvignon blanc that should have wide appeal. Works as an aperitif; pair with seafood; shellfish; shrimp; white meat dishes; spicy Asian cuisine; artisanal cheeses, mild cheddar, havarti, Swiss, parmesan, aged gouda. $18-21
