Realm Cellars 'Fidelio' Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California 2025
Fidelio is Realm's white wine, sourced from old-vine Sauvignon Blanc across two Napa Valley sites — the winery's Farella Estate in the cool Coombsville AVA and Tom Gamble's Riverbound Vineyard in Yountville. Some of the oldest plantings at Farella exceed 25 years, with Riverbound's Confluence block planted more than two decades ago, together lending the wine natural freshness and texture. WINEMAKER: Kelly Fields, Winemaker, with Chris Cooney as Chief of Winegrowing. FARMING: Organic VARIETY: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. TERROIR: Sourced from two Napa Valley sites: Farella Estate in the cool, foothill Coombsville AVA, and Riverbound Vineyard in Yountville. At Farella, cross arms have been added to increase dappled light around the fruit zone, with irrigation practices adjusted to optimize ripening. VINIFICATION: Fermented across a range of vessels — new and neutral oak, concrete, clay, and ceramic — with multiple pick dates used to broaden aromatic range while preserving balance. A dedicated white wine press installed in 2021 allows for precise control of oxygen exposure during pressing. AGING: Aged across the same combination of new and neutral oak, concrete, clay, and ceramic vessels used in vinification, each contributing distinct layers of texture and complexity. TASTING NOTES: Rich and electric, with pear, apple, and apricot fruit layered over white pepper and a savory edge of truffle and charcuterie. Bracing acidity carries through to a crisp, herb-tinged finish, with hints of Marcona almond and saline minerality adding texture. Generous yet vibrant — a complex, age-worthy style of Sauvignon Blanc. FOOD PAIRINGS: Steamed seabass in Chinese clay pot, grilled shellfish, herb-roasted chicken, or fresh goat cheese — a white with enough texture and energy to pair beyond typical seafood-only fare.