2020 Populis Sauvignon Blanc Venturi Vineyard

Region: Mendocino > California

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc  

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: certified organic, dry farmed, vines planted between 1944 – 1948, gravelly loam soil w/ sandstone, shale and quartz, whole cluster pressed, fermented in both neutral French oak barrel and fiberglass tank, unfined and unfiltered, 15ppm SO2, 12.5% ABV

Winemakers: Diego Roig & Shaunt Oungouian

The fan fave local SB is back, and better than ever!

Diego and Shaunt are the Living Wines Collective, an umbrella brand for a couple different labels, one of which is Populis which in their words ‘was born from the desire to make lighthearted, naturally made, extremely drinkable wines from organically farmed, historic vineyard sites throughout Northern California.’ In the cellar they use as little intervention as possible - no additives and very little, if any, added SO2 (just 15 parts in the Sauvignon Blanc!). Between the two they have a roster of past experience that many commercial winemakers would envy. Diego comes from a family of farmers and winemakers and has worked harvests in France, Italy, New Zealand,  and California, learning from some the best natural winemakers along the way. Shaunt is a UC Davis graduate who was turned on to natural wine while there, his interest and passion growing so much that he decided to make it his career. After graduation he worked with natural winemakers in France, and when he and Diego met, it was clear that their philosophies and career goals aligned. And, both having worked in Europe, they understood the importance of fruit source, which is key to the quality of this Sauvignon Blanc.

The vines were planted in the 1940s and come from Venturi vineyard, which is still family owned by the Venturi family and now farmed (dry-farmed, actually) by Larry, the third generation. Dry-farming + old vines = low yield and vine stress, factors that give this Savvy B a savory quality and incredibly high level of dry extract – so there is lots of flavor packed into this little bundle of acidity! Well balanced, fresh and zingy – pop the cork just about any day of the week, and anytime of day for that matter - perfect for those 3pm happy hours while working from home.   Also, for you New Zealand or Cali SB lovers seeking out precise, linear, grapefruit-jalapeno spice notes, this is your clean swap!