Avennia "Oliane" Sauvignon Blanc '19

White and red Bordeaux varieties thrive in the Washington, and while the state may be better known for its Cabernets, high-quality Sauvignon Blanc has also found a home there. Avennia is a relative newcomer, founded in 2010 as a partnership between Marty and Colleen Taucher, Lauren Smith, and Chris Peterson. Marty and Chris had worked together at DeLille Cellars and began to imagine what their own winery in Washington could be like. In 2010 they produced their first wines from 16 tons of fruit. They source fruit from some of the best vineyards in eastern Washington, in AVAs including Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain, and have earned a reputation as one of the best producers in the state.

While Avennia is already well celebrated for its red wines, “Oliane,” made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is its only white wine. Vinification is natural—all wines begin with native yeasts, and Avennia does not manipulate the wines with enzymes or other additives. Sourced from the Boushey Vineyard and Red Willow vineyard in Yakima Valley, “Oliane” is barrel-fermented in French oak and aged on its lees in a combination of concrete egg and neutral French oak for 7 months, adding texture to the wine. Try it alongside sautéed green veggies, white lasagna, or white fish with tarragon to bring out its range of fruit and herbal notes.