Novy Family Wines Turns Grape Made Famous by "Sideways", Inside Out

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pinot Noir specialists Adam and Dianna Lee, who produce a stunning number of single vineyard and appellation Pinot Noir under their acclaimed Siduri label, have crafted a new Pinot Noir that pales by comparison – but only with regard to color. They are the first California winery to make a non-sparkling white Pinot Noir, which they have released under their Novy Family Wines label. At just 325 cases, the 2008 Novy Blanc de Pinot Noir sells for $24/bottle and is available through the couple’s small “warehouse winery” in Santa Rosa, CA and at select restaurants and high-end wine shops nationally.

When asked why they decided to do a white Pinot Noir, Dianna replied “About 15 years ago, for our first wedding anniversary, we toured the Champagne region of France. One of our stops was Krug, where we got the opportunity to taste still, white Pinot Noir that had been resting in oak before going through the second fermentation to become champagne. Even though it was fairly acidic, you could taste the amazing quality of the grape. Ever since then, we’ve wanted to try it ourselves.”

The difference between a still white Pinot Noir and the white Pinot Noir that is traditionally used to make Champagne and sparkling wine is the second fermentation. Non-sparkling white Pinot Noir is very rare; in fact the Novy Blanc de Pinot Noir is believed to be the only one produced by a California winery. The Lees source the Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley; the majority pulled from a late-ripening section of the Arbre Vert Vineyard, which is planted to the 115 clone.

“We use grapes from Oregon because we’ve found that white Pinot Noir tastes better made from grapes that have better acidity and lower sugars,” explains Adam. “The flavors are brighter at lower alcohol levels and the color whiter, which you can’t get easily from California’s typically riper fruit.”

Once harvested, the grapes are transported at night to the Lee’s Santa Rosa winery. Immediately upon arriving at the winery, the whole clusters are pressed very gently in order to separate the juice from the skins. “The key to a white Pinot Noir is pressing the juice off quickly,” explains Dianna. “Our goal is to extract as much good tasting juice from the grapes without pulling out any color.” The Lees then place the juice into one-ton bins where it settles for a day before being transferred to a combination of stainless steel tanks and older oak barrels. The wine remains in these vessels – during which time it ferments and goes through partial malolactic fermentation – until the following spring when the wine is bottled.

So, what does this unique wine taste like? “It’s remarkably good,” notes Adam. “It possesses some of the mid palate weight and richness of Chardonnay but with exceptional acidity. The nose, however, is a bit more exotic with hints of orange and cherry fruits. Quite frankly, it smells more like Marsanne or Rousanne but, combined with the weight and fruit flavors, it ultimately is its own uniquely wonderful wine.”

About Siduri and Novy:

Named for the Babylonian goddess of wine, who appears on the label, Siduri produces the most extensive offering of single vineyard Pinot Noirs by any California winery. Founded in 1994 by husband and wife winemakers Adam & Dianna Lee, Siduri produces 7500 cases of single vineyard and appellation Pinot Noir annually at prices ranging from $20-$50. The Lees also produce a line of wines in partnership with Dianna's family; the similarly priced Novy Family Wines explore many of the same vineyard sites as Siduri, but with a focus on Syrah. Siduri and Novy Family Wines are available from the winery and at fine restaurants and wine shops nationally. Siduri Winery is open to the public daily for tasting and tour from 10am to 3pm by appointment.

Siduri Wines 980-C Airway Court, Santa Rosa, CA ph: 707-578-3882 www.siduri.com, www.novyfamilywines.com

Contacts
Novy Family Wines
Marty LaPlante, 707-939-1243
mlpspotzy@aol.com