# Chenin Blanc + Viognier (2025)

- **Producer:** Pine Ridge Vineyards
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc, Viognier
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 7–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, apple, peach, apricot, melon, orange, blossom, white pepper

## About this wine

Pine Ridge Vineyards created this unique blend in 1995 as an experimental cuvée, combining Loire Valley's Chenin Blanc with Rhône's Viognier—two grape varieties that are traditionally never blended together in France. Originally served exclusively in their Stags Leap District tasting room, this unexpected pairing quickly became an iconic staple of California white winemaking. Sustainable farming practices and maritime-influenced vineyards in Clarksburg and Lodi form the foundation of this popular cuvée.

## Interesting facts

- First created in 1995 as a tasting room exclusive, pairing two grapes never blended together in France.
- The 2024 vintage ranked #27 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025.
- Bottled in eco-friendly, lightweight glass as part of certified sustainable farming practices.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and bright citrus personality of this wine cut through rich seafood and soft cheeses, while a subtle touch of natural residual sweetness tames the heat of chili-spiced dishes.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested at different times to maximize their individual strengths: Chenin Blanc is picked early at lower sugar levels to retain vibrant natural acidity, while Viognier is picked riper to develop floral aromatics and fruit viscosity. The fruit is gently pressed and fermented 100% in stainless steel tanks using selected yeast strains. Malolactic fermentation is completely blocked to preserve crisp purity and vibrant freshness, with zero oak contact during aging.