White Rhône Blend, Frenchtown Farms 'Poisson Pilote'

24% Marsanne/42% Roussanne/34% Viognier

Frenchtown Farms Poisson Pilote Bianchetta 2023 is a white natural wine produced by Frenchtown Farms, a winery in the Sierra Foothills of California. Poisson Pilote is made from the Bianchetta grape, a lesser-known variety that thrives in the region's unique terroir. Poisson Pilote Bianchetta 2023 displays a pale straw color in the glass. The nose has aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and white flowers, with subtle mineral undertones. It is crisp and refreshing on the palate, with flavors of lemon zest, pear, and a hint of melon. The wine has a balanced acidity and a lingering finish.

In addition to their work in North Yuba, Aaron and Cara Mockrish are organically farming 12 acres at this site, where Rhone and Bordeaux varieties were planted in the late 1990's on granitic soils. The fruit was foot crushed and macerated for roughly 6 hours on skins before pressing to stainless steel for fermentation. The wine matured on the lees for 8 months in barrel before bottling with 25 ppm sulfur added. 11.7% abv.