Spade & Sparrows Pinot Grigio 2021
White, light-bodied, dry and crisp. · Spade & Sparrows / Kaitlyn Bristowe. Founded by the 'Bachelor' star, this is a lifestyle-driven celebrity brand that aims to make wine approachable and community-focused. It operates as a virtual winery, sourcing fruit from established growers and vinification facilities.
Vintage: 2021. This was a relatively dry and warm year in California, leading to smaller yields but high flavor concentration. For early-drinking white wines like Pinot Grigio, it provided excellent ripeness and fruit clarity.
Type
White, light-bodied, dry and crisp.
Producer
Spade & Sparrows / Kaitlyn Bristowe. Founded by the 'Bachelor' star, this is a lifestyle-driven celebrity brand that aims to make wine approachable and community-focused. It operates as a virtual winery, sourcing fruit from established growers and vinification facilities.
Country
United States. California is the powerhouse of American viticulture, producing 80% of US wine. Its diverse climate allows for both mass-market approachable styles and luxury cult wines.
Vintage
2021. This was a relatively dry and warm year in California, leading to smaller yields but high flavor concentration. For early-drinking white wines like Pinot Grigio, it provided excellent ripeness and fruit clarity.
Region & Appellation
California, United States. While the labels for this brand often carry a 'California' AVA, the fruit typically hails from cooler coastal and inland valleys suitable for aromatic white varieties.
Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Grigio. Known for its light, citrus-forward, and refreshing profile when grown in California, emphasizing green apple and melon characteristics.
Color & Appearance
Pale straw to clear yellow and bright brilliance. Low viscosity with watery rim, indicating a lightweight and refreshing style.
Aroma Profile
Aromatic and fresh, featuring primary aromas of lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and hints of honeysuckle. Very clean with no oak influence.
Tasting Notes
The palate is bright and lively. It opens with sharp citrus and green fruit, moving through a mid-palate of honeydew melon, and finishing with a clean, snappy acidity that refreshes the mouth.
Flavor Profile
Dominant flavors of Bosc pear, lemon peel, and nectarine. Subtle mineral touch on the finish with a faint herbal note typical of the variety.
Body & Texture
Light-bodied and zingy. The wine has a lean, crisp mouthfeel that emphasizes refreshment over weight or creaminess.
Acidity & Tannins
High, zesty acidity. Tannins are absent (typical for white wines). The acidity provides structure and a mouth-watering quality.
Sweetness Level
Dry. The wine has very low residual sugar, balanced by its vibrant acid profile.
Alcohol Content
12.5% alc/vol. This is standard for a light white wine, contributing to its easy-drinking and fresh character without any heat.
Aging & Oak
No oak aging. Fermented and aged in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the primary fruit aromatics and crispness.
Food Pairings
Light seafood such as shrimp scampi, fresh salads with goat cheese, ceviche, and light pasta dishes with lemon cream sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve well-chilled (7-10°C / 45-50°F) in a universal white wine glass. No decanting required. Consume within 1-2 years of the vintage.
Price Range
$18.00 - $22.00 USD. It sits in the premium lifestyle category, reflecting its celebrity association and boutique branding.
Quality Assessment
86-88 points. This is a solid, well-made commercial wine intended for casual social settings rather than long-term cellaring or complex criticism.
Production Methods
Machine harvested at night to preserve acidity, cool fermentation in stainless steel, and early bottling to retain freshness.
Terroir
Sourced from diverse California vineyards. The sandy and loamy soils of the Central Valley or coastal plains contribute to the accessible fruit-forward nature of the grapes.
History & Heritage
Launched in 2019 by Kaitlyn Bristowe (The Bachelorette), the brand was created to dismantle the 'snobbery' of wine culture and focuses on female-centric community building.
Interesting Facts
The label features a 'Spade' for hard work and a 'Sparrow' for lightness. Bristowe is known for drinking wine while engaging with her massive social media following, which helped the brand sell out its initial releases instantly.
Cellaring Potential
Low. This wine is designed for immediate consumption. It will be at its peak through 2024 and will likely lose its refreshing acidity and fruit beyond that point.
Similar Wines
J Vineyards Pinot Gris, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Meiomi White Blend, and various High Heaven Vintners Pinot Grigio.