Pessagno Winery La Estancia Riesling 2012
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Established in 1999 with family and friends, Pessagno Winery is nestled in the scenic Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey county overlooking the Salinas River where cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes flourish.
All Pessagno wines are styled for elegance, balance, and finesse, with an emphasis on the maximum varietal character of the grape and respect for the unique expression of each vineyard's Terroir.
Each vineyard is carefully selected for the high quality of its fruit and meticulously overseen during the growing season to intensify the aromas and flavors of the grapes. The wines are handcrafted in separate lots using only the finest winemaking techniques and traditional French oak barrels.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.