2024 Blanc du Bois

Tame on the nose, but positively juicy on the palate! Fruity flavors of green apple, unripe pineapple, and melon rind curve into sourdough and hints of cereal. Blanc du Bois’ signature white flowers, honeysuckle, and lemongrass notes weave in and out of the hints of oyster shell.

Wet and healthy start to season - Moderate temperatures - Lengthy grape development periods

Hand-picked June 24th, the first grapes of the season. Gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tank. Two select yeast strains were used and those lots blended after 5 months. Second fermentation in bottle. 18 months on the lees. Riddled and disgorged. Resealed with 5 g/L dosage.

Pair with flavors as expressive as this wine, from shrimp spring rolls and onion tartlets all the way to a crawfish boil with corn, potato, bib, and all.

In the summer of 2016, Paul and Nancy Darst landed on a hilltop in Kenney, Texas with 36 acres of rolling pastures. They established Darst Ranch Vineyards amid unique conditions: a near constant cooling breeze during the summer and hilltop views on all sides. The first 3 blocks of Blanc du Bois more than doubled by the next year on well-drained sandy loam.

Vine maturity: 7 years

Soil: Sandy loam of varying depths atop a layer of clay

Elevation: 318 feet

This aromatic hybrid variety is the most planted white grape in Texas due to its resilience in humidity.