California Pinot Grigio wine Balletto Pinot Gris 2005 has an advantage over all others, it is produced by the estate that is known for having some of the finest Pinot Grigio grapes in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. As grape growers first, Balletto Estate strongly feels that with good Pinot Gris (as they are called in California) grapes comes good Pinot Gris wine. It all starts in the field. The grapes for this 2005 vintage were grown on the Balletto family’s home ranch in the hills of Sebastopol. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris will thrill you. It is a beautiful light straw colored wine that has aromas of green apples, cinnamon and tropical notes of star fruit & mango with hints of cream & oak. The flavors are that of crisp green apples and lemon cream with a subtle hint of spice, slight mineral flavor and long unctuous finish.

Balletto Vineyards is located in the Russian River Valley AVA. John Balletto owns 100 acres of Chardonnay, 60 acres of Pinot Noir, and 5 acres of Pinot Gris on his family’s 280 acre home estate. In addition to this property, Mr. Balletto owns 3 other vineyards in the Russian River Valley AVA. He sells most of these grapes to other wineries, but produces a small amount of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Zinfandel. Balletto handcrafted his first vintage in 2001. The winery opened a beautiful tasting room in early 2006. In addition to tasting Balletto’s wines at this facility, visitors can also sample vintages from Dutton Goldfield, another family-owned winery.

Buy a case of 12 and get an additional 10% discount!

RATINGS: 85 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Crisp and on the sweet side, this PG has flavors of honey, lemons, limes, green apples, figs and peppery spices. Nice as a cocktail sipper. Try with Chinese food for something different."

3.5 Starts - MYC
"Color: bright;
Nose: fragrant;
Aromas: floral;
Acidity: green; Sweetness: dry;
Body: light-bodied;
Finish: short;
Overall: easy; Best"

Balletto Pinot Gris 2005 information:
Harvest Date: September 29, 2005
Brix at harvest: 23.5
Soils: Gold Ridge Loam
Other Information:
50% aged 5 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels
50% fermented in stainless steel
Total Cases Produced: 1970 cases hand crafted
This beautiful light straw colored wine has aromas of green apples, cinnamon and tropical notes of star fruit & mango with hints of cream & oak. The flavors are that of crisp green apples and lemon cream with a subtle hint of spice, slight mineral flavor and long unctuous finish.