Airfield Estates ‘Glider’ Pinot Gris
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Airfield Aviation Heritage Glider wines are sourced from the family’s estate vineyard in Washington State.
- These wines feature lower alcohol, fewer calories, and vibrant, fresh aromas and flavors.
- The Yakima Valley estate vineyard benefits from ample sunshine and cool nights, creating ideal conditions for balanced fruit.
- It is sustainably farmed, certified Salmon-Safe and Sustainable WA, highlighting a commitment to preserving soil and water for future generations.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Elaboration: Selected Pinot Gris blocks from the estate vineyard, known for their aromatics and crispness, were harvested at 15.6° Brix. The juice was cold-settled for 72 hours before undergoing stainless-steel fermentation at 61°F for 22 days, with no malolactic fermentation. After resting on its lees with bi-monthly stirring for over 2 months, the wine was settled and filtered for clarity.
Tasting Notes: The Glider Pinot Gris is bright, refined, and refreshingly expressive, crafted with lower alcohol and fewer calories. Aromas of candied tangerine, fresh cantaloupe, honeysuckle, and hints of dried pineapple lift from the glass. On the palate, vibrant stone fruit flavors are complemented by delicate floral notes and subtle mineral undertones, creating balance and graceful texture. Nuances of kiwi zest and white peach carry through a clean, crisp finish supported by lively natural acidity. Best enjoyed well-chilled now through 2035, with optimal maturity around 2031.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Airfield Estates is a fourth-generation family vineyard in Yakima Valley, Washington, run by siblings Marcus Miller and Lori Stevens. Marcus holds an MBA in Finance and a degree in Viticulture and Enology, while Lori earned a Master’s in Wine Business from the University of Adelaide.
Originally a training base for Army Air Corps pilots during World War II, the site became a winery after the airbase closed in 1944. The Miller family acquired the land for $1 and farmed various crops and livestock. Founder H. Lloyd Miller collaborated with President Roosevelt to secure funding for the Rosa Canal Project, enabling irrigation for what would become an 830-acre winery. In 1967, Don Miller, Marcus and Lori’s grandfather, planted test varietals, leading to the establishment of over 20 varietals by 1971, making it the oldest established AVA in Washington State.