Aurora Cellars brought home multiple gold medals from the largest competition of North American wines in January. During the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Aurora Cellars was awarded two Double Gold medals and one gold medal. Double Gold means it was a unanimous decision from the judges that the wine receives a gold medal.
Both the Leora sparkling wine and our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc received Double Golds. Our 2018 Blaufränkisch won a gold medal.
“Congratulations to Aurora Cellars for their Double Golds for the sparkling and Sauvignon Blanc wines out of 5,500 wines submitted to the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition,” said Bob Fraser, the Executive Director of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. “Quite an accomplishment!”
Leora
Leora means “shining light” in Italian, which is fitting for this bubbly with the bright fruity notes of apple and pear that work in tandem with the lighter effervescence. Made from 100% Pinot Grigio, this sparkling wine brings a crisp, vibrant and robust taste with aromas of a lightly spiced apple tart.
The Pinot Grigio used is the first we pick every year so we can make sure it maintains its acidic structure. Since the fruit is picked early, we are able to ensure that the final product is able to retain its varietal character and has a moderate level of alcohol. During crush, the pinot grigio was lightly pressed so we could extract the cleanest juice possible.
Leora was produced using the Charmat Method. Our winemaking team was able to conduct the second fermentation in a controlled way to make sure the bubbles that are present are more in line with a prosecco style.
This wine also received a silver medal during the 2022 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition.
2021 Sauvignon Blanc
A popular choice among our visitors, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, is bright with notes of citrus and minerality. Your palate is sure to be pleased with this wine’s crisp finish and delicious flavors.
After harvesting this variety, Head Winemaker Drew Perry took a gamble and went in a direction that would maximize the varietal character of the wine. In order to do this, our team crushed the fruit and let the juice soak on the skins for an extended period of time. When describing the Sauvignon Blanc variety, Perry says the “aromatic complex of Sauvignon Blanc is situated in a family that has both lovely characteristics and very off putting ones.” The positive aromatics in wines like Sauvignon Blanc are expressed during the fermentation process, however they can be easily oxidized and lost if not carefully monitored. Perry explains that Sauvignon Blanc is notorious for having some of the highest concentration of the compound Methoxy Pyrazine – which produces a similar odor found in Bell Peppers. This compound can add a potent aroma to the aromatic puzzle of Sauvignon Blanc that leads to a confusing olfactory nonsense that everyone senses differently.
If you’re looking to enjoy a glass of this delicious white variety with a meal, Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with herb-driven sauces over chicken, tofu, or fish. You wouldn’t go wrong with an herb-driven Asian dish either.
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc also won a silver medal at the 2022 Jefferson Cup Wine Invitational Competition.
2018 Blaufränkisch
One of the most popular reds in our portfolio, the 2018 Blaufränkisch showcases fruit flavors of blueberry and notes of spicy pepper. The grapes used to produce this delicious variety are grown right on Aurora’s estate.
The Blaufränkisch is the last variety to be harvested every year, which typically takes place in early November. During the three week fermentation period, our winemaking team focuses on intense fermentation cap management so we can get the most varietal expression from the grapes as possible. Fermentation cap management involves punch downs, or pushing down the grape skins during the fermentation process that rise to the top of the tank or fermentation bin. Focusing on the cap management allows the winemaker to determine the stylistic preference of the wine.
Our team ferments the Blaufränkisch in open top fermenters for about two and a half weeks before it is pressed off of its skins. After pressing, the wine is blended and put into a mix of new and used French oak barrels to age for two years.
When pairing this wine with food, you can’t go wrong with wild game or lamb dishes. This wine was awarded a silver medal during the 2022 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition.
Whether you are a red wine drinker or a white wine drinker, come in and try these award-winners for yourself.
