Before diving into the details of Favia LÍNEA, I felt it necessary to revisit the winemaker Andy Erickson. 😀 Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Mayacamas, Spottswoode, and Stag’s Leap—these are names that resonate deeply with wine enthusiasts worldwide. What ties these renowned wineries together is the genius of winemaker Andy Erickson, who has played a pivotal role in crafting some of their most acclaimed wines. Currently Erickson is a figure of immense respect and influence in both the American and global wine industries.
I have previously expressed my admiration for Andy Erickson several times on my blog, particularly in relation to one of my favorite wines Leviathan, titled, Discover Leviathan 2018: A Must-Try Affordable Napa Blend. Erickson’s expertise and innovative approach have consistently garnered my respect.
Having enjoyed the remarkable red wines like Cerro Sur and La Magdalena from Favia, a winery co-founded by Andy Erickson, I was thrilled to learn from a sommelier at a restaurant in 2022 that Favia also produces exceptional white wines in limited quantities. This discovery intensified my desire to taste these highly regarded white wines, which are produced in such small amounts that they are not available in regular wine shops.
I found the way to purchase Favia LÍNEA white wines was directly from the Favia website. The minimum purchase requirement was a case of six bottles spanning vintages from 2016 to 2021. Living outside the U.S., I enlisted the help of a friend residing in America to facilitate the purchase. As a token of gratitude, I gifted my friend a bottle of the 2021 vintage, which they praised highly, noting it as one of the finest white wines they had tasted recently.👍🏻👏🏻
And last weekend, I finally opened the last bottle of my treasured collection, the 2016 LÍNEA.🥹
Table of Contents
1. Craftsmanship of Favia LÍNEA 2016
The 2016 vintage of Favia LÍNEA Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to resilience and meticulous craftsmanship. Having endured the notorious drought of 2015, the dry-farmed Coombsville vineyard in Napa Valley emerged stronger and more determined. The vineyard, planted without irrigation, produces a small yet intensely flavorful crop, nurtured under organic and biodynamic principles. This approach ensures that the fruit remains pure, bright, and vibrant, resulting in an incredibly fresh and multifaceted wine.
The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, a technique that preserves the integrity and flavor of the fruit. The juice undergoes fermentation in a combination of neutral barrels and stainless steel, with a subtle touch of new oak to add complexity. To highlight the inherent qualities of the Sauvignon Blanc, malo-lactic fermentation is prevented, allowing the wine to retain its natural acidity and vibrant character.
This wine is characterized by ample acidity and a strong backbone, making it suitable for aging. While it can be enjoyed immediately for its fresh and vibrant flavors, it also has the potential to age gracefully for a decade or more, developing further complexity and depth over time.
2. Unique Aromatic Profile of Favia LÍNEA 2016
The 2016 Favia LÍNEA Sauvignon Blanc boasts a complex and intense aromatic profile. In addition to the citrus notes typical of Sauvignon Blanc, such as lime and grapefruit, it features unique aromas reminiscent of Earl Grey and Lady Grey tea, with bergamot and floral undertones. This distinctive aromatic profile is due to the blend of 28% Sauvignon Musqué.
Methoxypyrazines and thiols in standard Sauvignon Blanc contribute to its fresh and unique aromas of gooseberry, tropical fruits, and citrus. However, bergamot aroma is not typically among them. It is the blending with Sauvignon Musqué that imparts the distinctive and special aromas found in LÍNEA.
Sauvignon Musqué is a clone of Sauvignon Blanc that is often characterized by more pronounced floral and aromatic qualities compared to the typical Sauvignon Blanc. This can significantly influence the overall aroma of the wine, contributing to unique and complex scents such as bergamot.
3. Celebrating with Favia LÍNEA 2016 at KimYoonSik
To celebrate the opening of my last bottle of the cherished Favia LÍNEA 2016, I decided to indulge in a weekend evening tasting at another favorite Japanese restaurant of mine, KimYoonSik, near my home. The name means “Chef Kim and Yoon’s Dining.” Despite its recent opening, it has quickly become a favorite spot for me. It is always a joy to have such excellent restaurants opening close to home.
This restaurant is renowned for its exquisite dishes, and I chose three of their most prized offerings to pair with the wine: chicken karaage, simmered sea bream head, and mackerel fried rice. Here is a detailed account of this extraordinary culinary experience.
Each course demonstrated the wine’s exceptional adaptability and depth, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and quality behind both the wine and the food.
(1) Chicken Karaage
Dish Description: The richness of the chicken skin and its crispy texture are remarkable. With each bite, you hear a satisfying crunch as the savory batter combines with the juicy chicken fat to create a burst of umami.
Pairing Note: The high acidity and vibrant citrus notes of the Favia LÍNEA 2016 Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the chicken karaage. The wine’s sharpness cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, refreshing the palate and enhancing the umami flavors. The floral and bergamot undertones of the wine add a sophisticated layer to the savory dish, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience.
(2) Japanese Simmered Sea Bream Head (Tai no Kama Ni)
Dish Description: This gourmet dish is slow-cooked at low temperature for over 30 minutes. The sea bream’s tender, chewy texture is beautifully infused with the tare sauce seasoning, while the plump shiitake mushrooms absorb the rich flavors wonderfully.
Pairing Note: The Favia LÍNEA’s citrus and floral profile pairs excellently with the complex flavors of the simmered sea bream head. The wine’s acidity balances the rich tare sauce, while the floral notes enhance the umami of the shiitake mushrooms.
(3) Mackerel Fried Rice (Saba Cha-han)
Dish Description: This delightful dish features savory mackerel flakes mixed with high-quality rice. The addition of salty umeboshi (pickled plum) helps cut through the richness, making for a well-balanced meal.
Pairing Note: The Favia LÍNEA 2016’s racy texture and vibrant acidity complement the savory mackerel fried rice. The wine’s citrusy notes balance the richness of the mackerel, while its minerality pairs well with the salty umeboshi, enhancing the overall flavor. The unique bergamot and floral aromas from the Sauvignon Musqué blend elevate the dish, making it a memorable and sophisticated pairing.
4. An Unexpected Twist with Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne
As we savored the final sips of the 2016 Favia LÍNEA Sauvignon Blanc, we discovered a fine Champagne promotion notice on the digital menu tablet at our table. The promotion page featured adorable caricatures of five restaurant staff members with the caption, “Isn’t too lucky to have Nicolas Feuillatte with such a good deal?”. Amused by their cute portrayal, we couldn’t resist partaking in this impromptu tasting event with Nicolas Feuillatte Grande Réserve Brut Champagne.
Nicolas Feuillatte is a renowned Champagne house known for its commitment to quality and tradition, producing a range of elegant and refined Champagnes. The Grande Réserve Brut offers a delightful bouquet of fresh apple, pear, and subtle citrus aromas, complemented by hints of almond and brioche. Its fine, persistent bubbles enhance the wine’s creamy texture, providing a refreshing and sophisticated tasting experience.
The spontaneous addition of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne to our evening provided a unique opportunity to compare and contrast two distinct yet exceptional wines, each enhancing the culinary experience in its own way. Comparing wines from entirely different categories in this manner was both enjoyable and intriguing. Pairing them with various Japanese dishes further highlighted how each wine’s character could shine, making it an extremely enlightening experience.
(1) Comparing the Wines
Favia LÍNEA 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
- Aromatic Profile: Lime, grapefruit, bergamot, floral notes from Sauvignon Musqué.
- Flavor Profile: High acidity, racy yet rich texture, long-lasting finish.
Nicolas Feuillatte Grande Réserve Brut Champagne
- Aromatic Profile: Apple, pear, citrus, brioche, almonds.
- Flavor Profile: High acidity, fine bubbles, creamy texture from extended lees aging.
(2) Pairing Experience with Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne
Chicken Karaage: The crisp and delicate bubbles of Nicolas Feuillatte Grande Réserve Brut Champagne perfectly complemented the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the chicken karaage, refreshing the palate with each bite.
Simmered Sea Bream Head: The fresh apple, pear, and subtle citrus aromas of the Champagne enhanced the delicate, umami-rich flavors of the simmered sea bream head, creating a harmonious and elegant pairing.
Mackerel Fried Rice: The fine, persistent bubbles and creamy texture of the Champagne balanced the rich and luxurious umami of the mackerel fried rice, elevating the dish with its refreshing and sophisticated profile.