Railsback Freres Cuvee Speciale Clairette Blanche, Santa Ynez Valley, California

The Railsback Frères Cuvée Spéciale Clairette Blanche, Santa Ynez Valley, USA, is a rare and captivating expression of Southern French elegance translated through California terroir. Grown on a tiny 1.84-acre parcel in the northwest corner of Nolan Ranch Vineyard, this limited-production white wine reflects a profound affection for Provençal whites and a commitment to honest, expressive winemaking. 

Product Details:

• Vineyard: Nolan Ranch Vineyard
• Variety: 100% Clairette Blanche
• Fermentation: Native yeasts
• Aging: 8 months in neutral French oak
• Alcohol: 12.1%
• pH: 3.8
• TA: 4.3 g/L
• Production: 3,948 bottles

Sensory Description:

This Cuvée Spéciale offers a textured, waxy palate reminiscent of the noble whites of Cassis and Palette. Aromas of sea spray, lemon pith, and chamomile rise from the glass, while the palate balances saline minerality with subtle hints of white peach and fennel. The mouthfeel is both structured and graceful, showing restraint and depth in equal measure, finishing with a clean, lightly nutty persistence that invites the next sip.

Winemaker's Background:

Railsback Frères was founded in 2015 by brothers Eric and Lyle Railsback as a tribute to the wines of Southern France. The project began with a Bandol-style rosé and has expanded into a thoughtful lineup of varietals like Mourvèdre, Carignan, and now Clairette Blanche. With experience ranging from French importing to running renowned wine shops and labels like Lieu Dit, the brothers bring a seasoned, Franco-Californian approach to winemaking. They craft their wines at Presqu’ile Winery using native fermentations and minimal intervention techniques, allowing each site and grape to shine through with authenticity and finesse.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Railsback Frères Cuvée Spéciale Clairette Blanche well-chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F). This wine’s versatile texture and bright salinity make it a superb companion to Provençal cuisine: think grilled Mediterranean fish, ratatouille, aioli platters, or even a classic salade niçoise. It also plays beautifully with cheeses like aged goat or Comté.

The Railsback Frères Cuvée Spéciale Clairette Blanche, from the Santa Ynez Valley, USA, is a thoughtful and textured wine that bridges Old World inspiration with New World expression, offering a compelling case for Clairette Blanche’s potential in California.