Ferrari-Carano's Fume Blanc 2020 is a refreshing and delicious white wine made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes from various appellations in Sonoma County. This year's vintage has been carefully crafted with grapes from the Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River Valleys.
The unique flavor of this Fume Blanc is achieved by aging the Sauvignon Blanc grapes in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels. This process helps to enhance the body, texture and mouthfeel of the wine while sill preserving its signature crisp, acidic character. The result is a dry white wine that is full-bodied yet balanced, with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and green apple.
For those looing for an ideal food pairing for this Fume Blanc, it pairs well with light dishes such as salads or fish, as well as spicy Asian cuisine. But what makes this wine truly stand out is its ability to highlight smoked seafood or chicken dishes.
Given its pedigree as one of Ferrari-Carano's original two wines released over 35 years ago, it is no wonder that this Fume Blanc continues to be an excellent example of the winery's commitment to quality and flavor innovation. With its classic dry style, great versatility in food pairings and delightful balance between acidity and body, Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2020 is sure to be a hit with any oenophile!
The Sweetness of Fumé Blanc
Fumé Blanc is generally classified as a dry wine. It is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, and it tends to have a bright, crisp acidity and herbal aromas of grass, bell pepper and grapefruit. The flavor profile of Fumé Blanc can range from light-bodied to medium-bodied with citrusy fruit flavors such as lemon or lime, and a hint of minerality. Despite its tartness and dryness, some producers will add a touch of residual sugar to make it slightly sweeter.
Production Location of Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc
Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc is made in Sonoma County, California. The blend of 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes used to make the wine comes from various appellations in Sonoma County, including Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley. Each appellation provides a unique flavor profile to the ovrall blend, with Dry Creek Valley providing a light floral aroma; Alexander Valley contributing bright citrus flavors; and Russian River Valley adding herbal and mineral notes. The winemaking team at Ferrari-Carano carefully selects individual vineyards from each appellation to create a balanced and complex Fumé Blanc that embodies the finest characteristics of the Sonoma County terroir.
Similarities Between Fumé Blanc and Other Wines
Fumé Blanc is similar to Sauvignon Blanc, the popular white wine from Bordeaux in France. The main difference between them is that Fumé Blanc has been aged in oak barrels, which gves it a more complex flavor profile. It typically has aromas of tropical and citrus fruits, herbs, and sometimes even a hint of smokiness. On the palate, the wine has a fuller body, with flavors of honey and vanilla. Fumé Blanc also tends to have a higher acidity than regular Sauvignon Blanc, making it an excellent food-pairing wine as it stands up well to strong flavors like garlic and onion.
How Long Does Fumé Blanc Last?
Fumé Blanc is a dry Sauvignon Blanc and typically has a shelf life of two to eight years. We recommend drinking it wihin two to three years to best enjoy its fresh flavors and clean acidity, as these qualities tend to diminish over time. It is important to store the wine in a cool, dark place and make sure it is sealed properly. If stored properly, the wine should last up to eight years before it starts to lose its flavor.
Aging of Fumé Blanc
Fumé Blanc is aged for six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. The process allows the wine to develop a complex flavor profile, with juicy tropical fruit and lemongrass flavors, as well as a touch of minerality at the end of a long finish. This aging process gives Fumé Blanc a unique character that pairs perfectly with a wide range of food.
Pairing Fumé Blanc with Food
Fumé Blanc is a versatile white wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The crisp, balanced acidity and subtle hints of oak make it an excellent accompaniment to fish dishes like fillet of sole. This wine also pairs nicely with pork loin, bringing out the savory flavors of the dish. The light acidity and fruitiness are a great complement to creamy goat cheese, as well. Fumé Blanc also pairs well with light salads and grilled vegetables.
Who is the Owner of Ferrari-Carano?
Ferrari-Carano is owned by Bill and Carol Foley since 2019. The couple purchased the winery in August 2019, taking it over from previous owners. Since then, they have continued to produce the Fumé Blanc and Chardonnay along with over 20 other white and red wines. They have also made numerous investments in their vineyards, winemaking facilities and tasting rooms. Bill and Carol Foley are committed to crafting high quality wines while preserving the beauty of Sonoma County wine country.
The Wine Produced by Ferrari-Carano
Ferrari-Carano is a Pinot Grigio, a light-bodied white wine that is crisp and refreshing. It's crafted from vineyards in cool climate regions of Sonoma County and fermented exclusively in stainless steel for an extra clean finish. The wine has aromas of citrus, apple, pear, and subtle floral notes with a hint of minerality on the palate. It's an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with fish, white meats, and light summer salads.
Conclusion
The 2020 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc is a great example of a classic Sauvignon Blanc made with grapes from across Sonoma County. This wine has all the characteristics of a dry, crisp and acidic white wine, with an added layer of texture and body that comes from its oak ageing process. The Fumé Blanc pairs well with light foods like salads and fish, as well as spicy Asian dishes, and is especially good for smoked shellfish or chicken. With its impressive flavor profile and rich heritage, Ferrari-Carano's Fumé Blanc is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
