Jaxon Keys Farmhouse White 2013
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Blend: 42% Chardonnay, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Viognier, 5% French Colombard
Ken is passionate about all his vineyards and wineries as well as their importance to the communities and historical significance. The Mendocino property being an intact Spanish landgrant parcel dating back to 1858 and the Estate's first vineyards being planted in 1960 with one of the oldest bonded wineries in Mendocino County commencing production in 1984... reminded him of his grandfathers with their passion for farming and the land. Ken and Diane honore them both, Jack Wilson and Cecil Keys, with a new label and the Jaxon Keys brand was born.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.