Longyu Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir 2021

Key Information:

• Wine Name: Longyu Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir 2021
• Grape Varieties:
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its dark fruit profile (black currant, blackberry), strong tannins, and ability to age well. In this wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon is treated in a Blanc de Noir method, meaning the juice is pressed quickly and separated from the skins to preserve its freshness while avoiding much of the deep red color typically associated with the grape.
  • Blanc de Noir: A term for a white wine made from red grape varieties. It’s a style of wine in which the red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon in this case) are pressed gently to avoid extracting pigments from the skins. As a result, the wine maintains a lighter color and crisper, more delicate flavors.
• Vintage: 2021. A relatively recent harvest, meaning the wine should have retained its youthful freshness, with vibrant acidity and bright fruit flavors.

Winemaking Process:

1. Harvest: Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure good balance between sugar and acidity.
2. Pressing: After harvesting, the red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon) are gently pressed, and the juice is separated from the skins immediately to maintain a pale color typical of Blanc de Noir wines.
3. Fermentation: The wine is fermented in cool, stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh fruit characteristics and bright acidity. The fermentation process likely ensures that the wine remains crisp and light, with minimal influence from oak.
4. Aging: As indicated by the "Reserva" label, the wine may be aged for a brief period, potentially in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. This aging can help soften the wine and add complexity, without overwhelming its fresh, clean nature.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Pale golden color with faint pink hues—light and clean, typical of a Blanc de Noir style.
• Aromas: Fresh, bright citrus (lemon, lime), green apple, and subtle floral notes. A slight minerality may also be present, typical of wines made from the Blanc de Noir method.
• Palate: Light-bodied with fresh acidity and a crisp, clean mouthfeel. Flavors of green apple, citrus, and a hint of herbal or berry notes from the Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is dry, with a subtle texture from the red grape used, though it maintains a bright and refreshing profile.
• Finish: Clean, with lingering citrus and stone fruit notes, and balanced acidity.

Serving and Temperature:

• Serving Temperature: Ideally served chilled, around 8-10°C (46-50°F). This will enhance the wine's crispness and highlight the freshness of the citrus and green fruit flavors. If served too warm, the wine may lose some of its refreshing qualities.
• Glassware: A tulip-shaped white wine glass is recommended to allow the delicate aromas to concentrate and develop. A white wine glass or even a slightly larger glass would work well, allowing the wine to breathe and open up its flavors.

Decanting:

• Decanting: Decanting is not necessary for this wine. Since it is made in the Blanc de Noir style, which tends to be lighter and fresher, decanting would likely not improve the wine and could even cause it to lose some of its crispness and freshness. This wine is meant to be enjoyed in its youthful state, without the need for aeration.

However, if you're serving a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine (which this may not fully qualify as, depending on how much tannin it retains from the red grapes), decanting could help soften tannins and open up the aromas. For this particular Blanc de Noir style, just serving it chilled in the right glass will highlight its qualities without needing decanting.

Food Pairings:

• Seafood: Fresh seafood such as grilled shrimp, lobster, oysters, or white fish would pair beautifully with the crispness of this wine.
• Poultry: Lightly grilled or roasted chicken, turkey, or duck, especially with herb-based or citrus sauces, would complement the wine’s freshness.
• Salads: A fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette, goat cheese, or light grains such as quinoa would pair well with this wine’s bright, crisp acidity.
• Cheese: Soft cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, or mild, creamy cheeses such as fresh mozzarella.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Grilled vegetables, Mediterranean salads, or vegetable-based pasta dishes would also be excellent companions for this wine.