2024 Rococo "Own-Rooted" Chenin Blanc, Central Coast, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The Own-Rooted Chenin Blanc comes from historic, ungrafted vines on California’s Central Coast—a rarity in modern viticulture, where most vines are grafted onto rootstocks. These original roots give the wine added complexity, depth, and authenticity, while also connecting it to Chenin’s storied past in California.

The 2024 vintage was marked by mild conditions, yielding healthy fruit with excellent acid retention. Grapes were hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts in a combination of stainless steel and neutral barrels. A short period of lees contact brought roundness and textural nuance, while no new oak was used, preserving purity and freshness.

The result is a wine that bridges energy and subtle richness: orchard and citrus fruit layered with delicate floral tones, beeswax, and a signature mineral backbone. Its balance makes it both delicious young and capable of evolving beautifully over 5–7 years.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Rococo is a small, quality-focused California winery dedicated to reviving heritage vineyard sites and highlighting unique expressions of classic grape varieties. The Own-Rooted series reflects the team’s mission to preserve and celebrate ungrafted vines, many of which are historic plantings that offer a direct link to California’s viticultural past.

Sustainable farming and minimal intervention in the cellar form the core of Rococo’s philosophy. Native fermentations, restrained oak usage, and thoughtful élevage allow terroir and vine character to shine.

With the Own-Rooted Chenin Blanc, Rococo pays tribute to California’s legacy with the grape—once widely planted across the state—while crafting a modern, precise, and terroir-driven expression that shows Chenin’s enduring versatility and beauty.