St. Supéry Napa Valley Estate Virtú 2022

Winery Background and History

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned estate located in the renowned Napa Valley, California. The winery is dedicated to producing estate-grown wines, ensuring complete control over the winemaking process from vine to bottle. With a commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques, St. Supéry has established itself as a producer of high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Producer and Winemaker

The winemaking team at St. Supéry is led by Michael Scholz, a sixth-generation winemaker from Australia. With extensive experience in both the Australian and Californian wine industries, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for crafting wines that express the distinct characteristics of the estate’s vineyards.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The grapes for the 2022 Estate Virtú are sourced from St. Supéry’s estate vineyards in Napa Valley. Napa Valley’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, provides ideal conditions for grape growing. The diverse soils and microclimates within the estate’s vineyards contribute to the complexity and depth of the wines produced.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

The 2022 Estate Virtú is a blend of 56% Sémillon and 44% Sauvignon Blanc. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2022 growing season began with budbreak in mid-March through early April, followed by abundant shoot growth in May. Early summer brought warm days and cool nights, with veraison occurring in mid to late July. Temperatures remained relatively even through the start of harvest into August, while early September brought a heat wave that accelerated the final stages of the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc picks to achieve optimal ripeness. The vintage resulted in bright, fresh white wines with vibrant varietal flavors and textures. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The alcohol content of the 2022 Estate Virtú is not specified in the available sources.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Estate Virtú presents brilliant pale yellow hues. Aromas offer notes of pink grapefruit, lemongrass, and kiwi with an undercurrent of seductive toasted French oak. Flavors of citrus, including lemon and key lime, and dried peaches are focused and enhanced by creamy, toasted oak. This is a terrific white wine with great texture. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This versatile white blend pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its bright acidity and citrus notes complement seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or lemon herb salmon. The wine’s richness and texture also make it a good match for creamy pasta dishes, roasted poultry, or soft cheeses like brie and camembert.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture, serve the 2022 Estate Virtú well-chilled at around 10-12°C (50-54°F) in medium-sized white wine glasses. This temperature accentuates the wine’s freshness and allows its nuanced aromas to shine. It’s recommended to open the bottle shortly before serving to preserve its delicate aromatics.

Storage and Aging Potential

While this wine is crafted for immediate enjoyment, displaying vibrant fruit flavors and balanced acidity, it also has the potential to develop additional complexity with short-term cellaring. When stored properly in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures, it can be enjoyed over the next 3 to 5 years, during which it may develop richer textures and more integrated flavors.

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 93 points – “A blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc as is common in Bordeaux, this medium-bodied and mouthcoating wine is serious and substantive. Citrus, toast, pear and a touch of honey blend nicely on the palate, where a rich texture carries them through a lingering finish.” 

• Wine Spectator: 92 points – “A succulent, expressive and elegant white, with notes of pear blossom, marzipan and makrut lime leaf that lead to a core of tangerine, mango and ruby grapefruit notes. A hint of marmalade lingers on the long, juicy finish.” 

• James Suckling: 91 points – “Aromas of candied citrus, chopped bell peppers and honeysuckle followed by beeswax, ginger slices and underlying exotic spices and hay. Medium-bodied, crisp acidity. A blend of 56% Sémillon and 44% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink or hold.” 

• Wine Independent: 90 points – “Subtle notions of yellow apple, crunchy pears, and lemon tart waft from the glass, with hints of lime leaves and sea spray. The light to medium-bodied palate is crisp and soft-spoken, with fresh apple and citrus flavors, finishing with a quiet intensity.”