Arietta
2011 Semillon
"Ivory Keys"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 17 | Lot No. 89
Vintage: 2011
Arietta
Semillon
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Description
Last year Arietta released its first “On The White Keys Artists’ Reserve”, a four barrel blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon which spent 20 months in barrel. For PNV 2013, the Arietta team of Fritz and Caren Hatton, proprietors, and Andy Erickson and Morgan Maureze, winemakers, has created a reverse Artists’ Reserve blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, all from the Hyde Vineyard in Napa/Carneros—making it as rare as ivory keys on a grand piano.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
Andy Erickson
Winemaker, Arietta
Andy Erickson, Arietta's winemaker, is one of the most accomplished winemakers of his generation. After working at wineries in Napa and South America, he earned his Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis, in 2000. Prior to joining Arietta in 2005, Erickson worked for Harlan Estate as assistant winemaker, and for Staglin as winemaker. Erickson’s first project for Arietta was the development of its first-ever white wine, Arietta On The White Keys. Erickson assumed control of winemaking at Arietta with the 2006 vintage. Erickson also makes wine for Favia, Dalla Valle, Ovid and Dancing Hares.
Country born: United States
Education: MS, Enology, UC Davis 2000
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
My goal is to highlight the character of each of the unique vineyard sites with which I work.
Nara Cellar
1500 Whitehall Lane
Saint Helena CA 94574
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Nara Cellar:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuum Estate | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Arietta | 2011 | Semillon | Napa Valley | Ivory Keys | 17 (2013) |
| Chateau Montelena Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | K Block Blend 10.23 | 17 (2013) |
| Far Niente | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Martin Stelling Vineyard | 17 (2013) |
| Heitz Wine Cellars | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | 16 (2012) | |
| Snowden Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) |
Winery Distribution
Arietta is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.