Fresh peach, bright honeysuckle, apple cider. Lemon peel, orchard blossom, cubed cantaloupe. Honeycomb and a dash of cinnamon, sandy earth and smooth stones. Pristine fruit leading with nectarine and bosc pear treads lightly through delicate flowers and lemongrass. Clean, juicy, and gluggable, presenting a soft and gentle attack followed by long and agreeable finish. This 2017 Rogue Valley Grenache Blanc by Awen Winecraft is a fun and feminine white from Southern Oregon.

Founded in 2016, Awen Winecraft is creation of former garagiste winemakers Sean Hopkins and Tom Homewood. Although originally from California the two found themselves inspired by budding wine regions in Southern Oregon, specifically the Rogue Valley appellation, and chose it as the place to start their commercial operation. This bottling, crafted using 100% Grenache Blanc sourced from the Quail Run Vineyards in Rogue Valley, provides a unique glimpse into what inspired their journey. This remarkably balanced wine is merely medium in body with matching acidity, and it boasts a straightforward yet pretty fruit profile. It presents itself honestly, without trying to do too much, and wins with its uncomplicated charm. This stuff does exactly what it is supposed to do - provide enjoyable refreshment - and we found ourselves quickly sipping our way through the entirety of the bottle. There is clearly something fun and unique going on in the Rogue Valley and we're excited to learn more.