Iapetus Wine, 'Figure 1' Pétillant Naturel 2021

• producer: Iapetus Wine
• region: Champlain Valley
  
• country: Vermont, USA
  
• grape variety: l'acadie blanc
  

In early 2008, Ethan Joseph began working at Shelburne Vineyard. Ten years of self-education, first-hand experience and the support and guidance of friends, colleagues, and co-workers led Joseph to start his own winemaking project: Iapetus. Iapetus is the name of the ancient sea which once covered the bedrock that was thrust into the present-day Champlain Valley. Joseph works with the soil, water and vines in order to make wines he feels represent the region and story of the grapes and land.

The nose is delicate with swirls of lemon flesh and  juice, quince blossom, a light touch of cinnamon and just a hint of vanilla. The body is striking and lean, with suppleness. On the palate, this thirst-quenching wine is packed with fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lemon, with a persistent fine bubble and focused acidity.