Eberle Winery 2008 Côtes-du-Rôbles Blanc

With temperatures finally hitting summer highs in Northern California, our thoughts at WineHeist have naturally turned toward white wine.  While we see a fair amount of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, we are always on the lookout for something a little different.  Today’s offering certainly fits that bill, as we bring a Paso Robles wine blended from white grapes of the Rhone Valley, produced by one of the true pioneers of the Paso area.  Eberle Winery had its first vintage in 1979, but owner/winemaker Gary Eberle’s involvement in Paso winemaking stretches back even further.  While Paso Robles still has a long way to go to establish itself as a source for white wine, the potential is clearly there for interesting, fuller bodied wines at great prices.

Bright gold in color, this inaugural vintage of Cotes du Robles Blanc, a blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier, shows a classic Rhone nose of peach, cherry blossom, lemon and fresh-cut flowers.  The palate is medium-bodied, with refreshing acidity, apple and peach flavors, and an earthy floral note that certainly sets this apart from white wines made from more widely planted varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  This wine is unique and interesting due to its unique varietal composition, and at this price it represents a great summer wine for afternoon sipping, or as an accompaniment to grilled shrimp, fish, or lobster.  At just 13.5% alcohol, it can gracefully pair with lighter foods, and isn’t too heavy for hot weather.  Stock up for July and August!

Variety: 49% Roussanne, 33% Grenache, 18% Viognier
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyard: Steinbeck Vineyard, Robert Hall Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity: 0.68
pH: 3.58
Brix at Harvest: 24.6˚
Date Harvested: 09.02.08

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

In 1973, Gary Eberle began his career in the wine industry by heading his family’s Estrella River Winery (currently Meridian Vineyards in Paso Robles) and produced 500,000 cases a year at its facility. Eberle’s pioneering spirit didn’t stop there. In 1980, he co-founded the Paso Robles Appellation and in 1983, Gary opened the doors to his own Eberle Winery with the premiere of Eberle’s 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Eberle handcrafts 25,000 cases of wine each year from surrounding Estate vineyards. And, after more than 25 years since the release of the Eberle label, the winery consistently remains one of the highest award-winning wineries in the United States.

The German name "Eberle" translates to "small boar." At Eberle Winery, a bronze boar greets every guest who visits the Tasting Room. The statue is the 93rd replica of the original bronze Porcellino cast by Tacca in 1620. And today, the original can be found in the straw market in Florence, Italy. It is considered good luck to rub the boar's nose and toss a coin in the water below. All money collected at the Eberle boar fountain is donated to local children's charities. 

Learn more at www.eberlewinery.com.

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