2018 Vermillion - Red Blend California Vermillion

Coquerel Family Wine Estates is located just beyond the town of Calistoga at the north end of the Napa Valley. The heart and soul of the winery is the estate vineyard, a gorgeous, oak-studded property that sits in the afternoon shadows of the Mayacamas Mountains.

"The fruit for our 2022 Verdelho came from our estate Walnut Wash Vineyard in Calistoga. Once in the winery, the clusters were de-stemmed and gently pressed to avoid any bitterness. The juice was fermented in stainless steel barrels and aged sur lie with frequent stirring to increase body and texture."

Verdelho (meaning "greenish") is a white wine grape variety that is grown throughout Portugal but is most closely associated with the island of Madeira. The grape is used in the production of both dry and sweet wines, and often draws comparison to Chenin Blanc, Godello, and Semillon. It's still a relatively obscure grape variety, but it is gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to its ability to adapt to a variety of climates.
 

Winemaker: Christine Barbe

Christine was born and raised in Bordeaux France. She studied biochemistry and received her doctorate degree in Enology and Viticulture from the Bordeaux Institute of Enology. Her knowledge of sauvignon blanc is extensive as she made wine at Chateau Carbonnieux and La Louviere in Pessac-Leognan. Christine worked with the renowned Denis Dubourdieu and learned firsthand how to taste sauvignon blanc grapes as they ripen and how to harvest them to maximize the aroma and flavor of the wine.

2022 Coquerel Verdelho
"Our 2022 Verdelho is pure, fresh, and delicious. The nose is expressive and powerful with notes of lemon and lime fragrances. The palate is crisp with a round mid-palate with lime peel flavor and a long finish of white peach note. It will pair perfectly with oysters, fish, Spanish food, Asian food and even a gourmet cheese plate." Christine Barbe Winemaker