Terpenes and our Viognier
“…this is one of the finest Viogniers in my experience.”
- Paul Gregutt, NW Wine Guide
Dear friends,
It is FINALLY time! Our long-awaited, third-time’s a charm, totally innovative, 96-point 2024 Viognier is now available for ordering. And, it is so good!
“Lush aromas signal immediately that this is a winemaker who knows his stuff. Tangy lemon flavors are here in abundance, a mix of acid and flesh and rind. A slightly waxy impression leads into a pollen-soaked, textural palate. Mix ripe citrus with white peaches, pears, hints of bananas and a creamsicle finish and you’re starting to get a sense of this terrific wine. Cold ferment, aged in French oak and no sulfites added, this is one of the finest Viogniers in my experience. Due for a November release. 42 cases; 13.8%; $37 (Horse Heaven Hills) 96/100”
-Paul Gregutt, NW Wine Guide
Needless to say, we are over the moon with this review! Feel free to order directly from our website or respond to this email to get your bottles. We can’t wait for you to smell, see, and taste this Viognier!
Like Chardonnay, Viognier is a white wine with body and texture. It will work well with your holiday meals, especially poultry, fatty fish, and pork or creamy dishes such as sweet potatoes and homemade macaroni and cheese. Hungry yet?
Our Viognier also features a totally new approach to winemaking…
Winemaking is evolving — and so are we.
Christian and I believe that great wine honors both tradition and innovation. That’s why we have been pioneering a new, natural approach to protecting wine — using terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in grapes and plants, as an alternative to traditional sulfites. Caelestis Cellars Viognier is our first wine to feature the use of terpenes!
The path from vineyard to glass is a delicate one. Wine is alive—it evolves, it breathes, and without protection, it can easily lose its brilliance to oxidation, spoilage, or fading flavor. For centuries, winemakers have turned to sulfites to preserve those precious qualities. We are experimenting with the use of terpenes as a substitute for sulfites.
Emerging studies show that terpenes have both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help protect wine from oxidation and spoilage naturally. Check out this link for a deeper dive into the story behind this breakthrough — and what it means for the future of sustainable, additive-conscious winemaking. Christian also spoke to Paul about terpenes during their interview.
In time, Caelestis Cellars aims to transition most, if not all, of our production to this innovative terpene-based method. It’s a bold step forward—but one deeply rooted in the same respect for craft and tradition that defines everything we do. When nature gives us everything we need to protect what we love—why not let it?
Every day is a drink-the-good-wine-day!
Cheers & hugs,
Kim & Christian
