Estate Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023

The fruit for this Sauvignon Blanc was harvested right on time in early September. After being destemmed and pressed, it underwent two months of cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks, accentuating the grapefruit and lime aromas characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc.

A small portion of the wine was then aged on the lees for four months in 100% neutral American oak barrels, creating a medium toast level and adding richness to the tropical fruit layers.

The first-ever vintage of our Estate Sauvignon Blanc was crafted from our Dooley Creek Regenerative Organic Certified estate vineyard in Mendocino County. Adjacent to the lush riparian habitat of the Russian River which supports many species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals, 23 of Dooley Creek’s acres have been planted in Sauvignon Blanc since 2004.

The rich, young gravely loam soils are well drained and benefit from abundant groundwater and seasonal river flooding, ideal conditions for growing bright and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc.

This brilliant, barely green hue of our Estate Sauvignon Blanc practically sparkles with promise. Refreshing grapefruit and hints of lime zest give way to perfectly ripe pineapple and passionfruit. This impressive debut wine is crisp and lively, with perfectly balanced acidity and a mouthwatering finish.

What is the difference between "Organic Wine" and wine "Made with Organic Grapes"?

The grapes we grow that go into wines we label as “made with organic grapes” are held to the same standards as grapes used to make “organic wines”. The only difference between the two categories is a decision to add a small amount of sulfur at the final stage of wine fermentation. Sulfur is a naturally occurring compound used to end fermentation, this ensures the wine does not continue to ferment after it is bottled.

Our Bonterra Estate wine is “made with organic grapes”, which means that USDA regulations allow us to use a small amount of sulfur to stabilize the wine just before it is bottled, ensuring a consistent, high-quality product every time. The sulfur we choose to add to our wines regularly falls below the regulated amount.

Regulations for “organic wine” do not permit use of any added sulfur. Because organic wine has no added sulfur/sulfites, it is often less consistent in taste and flavor and it ages poorly.

Are there sulfites in Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc wine?

Our winemakers have made the decision to use a limited amount of sulfites in our wines to ensure that the wine you open is the same quality as it was when we bottled it, so we label our wines as ‘made with organic grapes.’

The USDA’s “made with organic grapes” certification allows a maximum of 100ppm of sulfites in wines made with organic grapes – that’s less than 1/3 of the amount of sulfites conventional wines are allowed. The average total sulfites for Bonterra wines are between 70 to 90ppm.

The “organic wine” regulations do not permit use of any added sulfur. Because organic wine has no added sulfur/sulfites, it is often less consistent in taste and flavor and it ages poorly.

We recommend that you contact your physician regarding specific health concerns.

Do organic wines contain sulfur?

Yes, virtually every wine contains sulfur, including organic wines. Sulfur occurs naturally during winemaking as a by-product of fermentation.

Sulfur is used in winemaking to stop fermentation, so the wine does not continue to ferment once it is bottled. Our wine is “made with organic grapes”, which means that USDA regulations allow us to use a small amount of sulfur to stabilize the wine just before it is bottled. The sulfur we choose to add to our wines regularly falls below the regulated amount.

Does Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc wine contain glyphosate?

We actively avoid glyphosate. It is not used in our estate vineyards, nor in partner vineyards we source from.

WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/BPA.