Broc Cellars Chenin Blanc 2017

This single-vineyard Chenin Blanc comes from the Frei Vineyard in the Green Valley of Solano County, California. The vines are newly grafted Chenin Blanc cuttings taken from 1979 plantings, grown on what were originally Pinot Gris rootstock. The vineyard sits in a small AVA about 12 miles northeast of San Pablo Bay, where cool maritime fog moderates temperatures and extends the ripening season. Soils are loamy, sandy, and alluvial with excellent drainage.

Grapes were direct pressed and fermented with native yeasts in neutral French oak barrels, where the wine also aged for 10 months. The wine went through 100% malolactic fermentation, softening its naturally high acidity into a rounder, more textured structure. No additives were used aside from a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling.

On the nose, the wine leads with mineral intensity alongside citrus, salted plum, and honey. The palate shows tart lemon, ripe pear, and a saline finish. The full MLF keeps the mouthfeel plush while the cool-climate acidity preserves freshness. At 12% ABV, it sits firmly in the lighter, food-friendly range for California whites.

Broc Cellars is an urban winery operating out of Berkeley, CA, founded by Chris Brockway in 2002. All wines are made using spontaneous fermentation from organically farmed California fruit, with no commercial yeasts, enzymes, or fermentation additions.