2019 Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Ivo Jeramaz joined his uncle Mike Grgich at Grgich Hills Estate in 1986 and has since become the winery’s winemaker and VP of vineyards and production. Ivo has always had a passion for organic and regenerative farming practices. He has committed to farming each of five estate vineyards at Grgich Hills organically without the assistance of pesticides or herbicides.

"At Grgich Hills, we grow grapes like my grandfather did, farming without chemicals and pesticides," Ivo says. "Mike taught me early in my career that you need great grapes to make great wine. Over the years, I’ve focused on working with the land. Through our natural farming, it’s been very rewarding to see the soil alive with healthier plants than under conventional farming. It allows the wines to be more authentic — more distinctive."

In March 2023 the winery received Regenerative Organic Certification, and is only one of a small group of producers in California that has this certification. Ivo Jeramaz and his team have been working many years towards this certification and it reflects in the wines that are made each vintage.

In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, making the inaugural release of “Fumé Blanc.” This elegant, dry style of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc was named “Fumé Blanc” by Robert Mondavi, playing on the French word meaning smoke. At Grgich Hills Estate, Mike continued to make this elevated style of Sauvignon Blanc, paying homage to his former employer and friend.

The 2019 Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc comes from grapes grown in clay soils in vineyards close to the San Francisco Bay. The cool climate in the vineyards lets the fruit ripen slowly, resulting in a crisp, lively acidity in the wine. The wine was fermented with natural yeasts in French oak foudres and oak barrels. The wine then aged on its lees for 6 months in neutral oak barrels.

The resulting wine is described by its winemaker: “This 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Fumé Blanc) will tantalize your senses with notes of green pepper, snap pea, lime and star fruit. On the front palate, enjoy the fresh fruit flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple supported by an undertone of sea salt.”

Wine Advocate and James Suckling both awarded this wine 93 points.

This delightful white wine will pair well with sea food, pork and savory goat cheese.