Warning: Personal anecdote ahead. I recently moved from SF to the North Bay. (I will, very shortly be moving again from North Bay to winecountry proper…but that’s a diff story). Walking down the street of downtown Corte Madera, I came across the Madrigal Family Winery tasting room. It was a Sunday morning, the doors closed. My partner in wine crime asked if I knew who they were. Heard of them? Yes. Tasted from them, no. So, here is my first look at and taste of Madrigal Family Winery.
From the winery: Since the late 1930’s, three generations of the Madrigal family have farmed some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards. The family history is a constant source of inspiration, and guides the winemaking now. Today, the company is run by Chris Madrigal, the founder’s grandson, and vintner of Madrigal Family Winery.
About the Wine: The Madrigal Family Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes harvested from the Mdrigal Estate vineyards located in Calistoga, Napa Valley in California. The wine was aged in 100% stainless steel.
270 cases produced.
14.1% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open up this Sauvignon Blanc to find overwhelming aromas of passion fruit with just a slight nose of petal. If you like a fruity SB, then you’re in a good place at this point. The wine presents a soft golden color on the pour and in the glass. Aromas from the glass are just as tropical as you like them (if you like them): passionfruit, guava, mango, melon.
The palate is undeniably bright with a vibrant acidity, yet there’s also a soft, almost oily texture on the tongue. Dominant flavors are the same as those aromas sensed on the nose, with a bit more citrus added to the mix.
Here’s the thing: this wine is beautifully made and will cater to those who are in the mood for and/or appreciate a more “New Zealand” style of Sauvignon Blanc. It is, light, crisp, and absolutely fruit forward—a great aperitif, mid-day drinker, or an accompaniment to a light white fish dish (I’m thinking something innately dry and flakey like tilapia). For those who prefer something more “Sancerre” inspired SB, this may not be your jam. But I give this wine full points for being a loud and proud expression of what it is.
More Info: I received the Madrigal Family Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc as a sample. (Cheers Leslie and Alejandro!) Price: $34. For more information about Madrigal Family Winery, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Madrigal Family Winery website.
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