Gondak Cellars Catie's Corner Vineyard Grenache Blanc Russian River Valley 2021

Will Gondak approaches winemaking with a low intervention style, and has ever since his label's inaugural vintage in 2015.  Before locking into a full-time gig in California's Wine Country, Will trekked the globe working harvest stints in Australia, New Zealand, France, and South Africa.  With a degree from Cal Poly in winemaking, and the experience earned from harvests worked worldwide under his belt, Will created his label, Gondak Cellars.  His goal is to produce small-lot wines focused on a minimalist approach that expresses, in his opinion, the most critical component of winemaking: the vineyard.

Crafting fine wines takes a great deal of thoughtful care, precious time, and passionate energy.  For many of the winemakers we highlight at ACME, their labels are a "side hustle", and ones where they can explore true avid loves of specific varietals.  And in Will's case, Rhône varietals light up his eyes.  With all the hard work of making wine, one must be excited by the prospects of taking on what is essentially another full-time job.  ACME first found Gondak Cellars when we featured his delicious Grenache, and now Will is back with a debut Grenache Blanc that blew us away.

In Will's words, "The potential quality of a wine is created in the vineyard.  It is the winemaker's task to guide the expression of that quality and to shape the style of wine.  There are many winemakers who will attempt to convince you that they are God-like in their craft.  Try not to listen to them." Gondak Cellars sources their Grenache Blanc from Catie's Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.  Planted in 1988, winegrowing pioneer Saralee Kunde trailblazed Sonoma's wine world by inter-planting traditional varietals with obscure, heritage vines and focusing on sustainable practices long before it was the buzzword of today.  Of the almost 32 acres of grapevines, Catie's Corner has just 1.5 acres of Grenache Blanc planted alongside Pinot Noir.  With its morning fog, the cool climate of Russian River Valley keeps the grapes' acidity high and the resulting wine light, crisp, and fresh. 

A waft of this 2021 Grenache Blanc is filled with aromas of jasmine, white peaches, and honeysuckle.  On the palate, it is bright with notes of lemon zest, pears, and under ripe green plums.  Since the wine is not filtered, sediment can be present which adds an interesting texture and complexity to the wine.  The zippy acidity remains through the finish, making this an outstanding pairing with grilled seafood or a traditional New England clam bake!