At Paul Vigna's Wine Summit earlier this month, I tasted the Rayson Winery and Vineyard's Pearl D Blanc Sparkling White Wine 2024. Rayson was new to me. The winery acquired an existing property, in December of 2023 Established by JW and Kristen Ray, who began their winemaking journey with JOLO Winery & Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, NC. Rayson Winery is nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s largest AVA, the Yadkin Valley. The name Rayson is a tribute to their two sons, Joey and Logan Ray, who play an integral role in the family winery.
Rayson Winery & Vineyard Pearl D Blanc 2024 is made from 85% Vidal Blanc and 15% Traminette. It was harvested on September of 2024. The grapes were destemmed and cold soaked for three days. Fermented in stainless steel. It was cold stabilized before being hand bottled.
Given this was a mixture of Vidal and Traminette I an others were expecting an off-dry or even semi-seet prosecco styled wine. Not so! This was a bone dry sparkling wine. It was filled with lemon and lemon curd, key lime, and had a wonderful grapefruit ending. This was a sophisticated sparkling wine. A real winner. And one of the most popular wines of the tasting. A real find! Excellent!