The Complexity of Rare Sauvignon Gris Crafted in Napa’s Only Wooden Egg-shaped Fermenter for Easter

Hoppy Easter, wine lovers! It’s that time of year when we celebrate all things egg-squisite (isn’t that any time of year?), including Mira Winery’s French Oak, egg-shaped fermenter, Ovum. This egg-ceptional piece of technology is the only one of its kind in Napa Valley and all of the western hemisphere. Ovum is the world’s first egg-shaped barrel crafted from oak and represents a significant technical achievement for the cooperage industry. Developed by the team at Tonnellerie Taransaud, our primary supplier of French oak barrels, the Ovum has become one of the most exciting and sought-after innovations for world’s most talented winemakers.

If you’re also not familiar with Sauvignon Gris, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This rare grape variety is not as well-known as its cousin, Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s just as egg-citing. And when it’s fermented in Ovum, it takes on a whole new level of egg-ceptional flavor and complexity.

What is Sauvignon Gris? It’s a greyish/pink-skinned mutation of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It most likely originated around Bordeaux, and you may stumble across more if it in the Loire Valley. It historically limited by low yields, but its popularity is gaining. Only 70 tons were harvested in all of California in 2019, but we planted one (1) whole acre to Sauvignon Gris at our Estate vineyard in Yountville.

Sauvignon Gris is less aromatic than Sauvignon Blanc, but certainly capable of producing beguiling wines. Wines produced from Sauvignon Gris tend to be richer, voluptuous and more complex in texture than Sauvignon Blanc, with ripe fruit tropical flavors as well as citrus notes. Sauvignon Gris is also often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, like our Mira Estate White Blend 2021.

Mira Winery’s 2021 Ovum Aureum, which is 100% Sauvignon Gris made in the Ovum, is the perfect Easter wine. Aromas of melon, Bosc pear, peaches and cream, brioche, and nutmeg are followed by a palate that is fruit-forward, round, consists of baked apple, quince and creamy marzapan. The finish is bright, long and refreshing.

Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to raise a glass of wine made in an egg-shaped fermenter to celebrate the holiday? It’s the egg-stra touch that will make your holiday truly egg-ceptional. It’s a great pairing with Salmon Tartar, Pani Puri with Avocado Mousse.