L'Ecole Luminesce - Write for Wine: It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere!Write for Wine: It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere!

L’Ecole Luminesce, Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, is a beautiful, award-winning, Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend that is always popular at the third-oldest winery in Walla Walla. And it’s a perfect wine to take on a picnic, lakeside or wherever you head this summer. So fill your picnic basket with charcuterie, aged white cheddar, deviled eggs and a baguette, grab a bottle of L’Ecole Luminesce 2020, and let’s go! But wait – first, here’s more information about this lovely Bordeaux-style white blend.

L’Ecole Luminesce 2020, Estate Seven Hills Vineyard ($22)

First, we had a sneak peak of this refreshing white wine during our April visit to the winery, when L’Ecole Winemaker Marcus Rafanelli gave us pours from the barrel. Even then, you could taste the compelling potential of this succulent blend. Next, we received a sample as part of a wine education collaboration program with the winery. 2020 Luminesce blends 62% Sémillon and 38% Sauvignon Blanc, which tastes very different than the 50-50 split in the 2019 vintage. General Manager Constance Savage says the yield of each grape determines the blend’s percentages every year. However, she says L’Ecole is known for Sémillon, so most vintages of Luminesce will feature more of this grape than Sauvignon Blanc.

Regardless of vintage, this wine continues to increase in popularity since its first release in 2007. In Luminesce 2020, the nose of citrus blossom and spiciness is beautiful. Meanwhile, flavors of tropical fruit, lemon zest, melon and peach are hugged by crisp minerality. In other words, Luminesce 2020 is fresh and bright with minerality from the Sauvignon Blanc, while at the same time, creamy, textured and rich from the Sémillon.

More Details about L’Ecole Luminesce 2020

This is a very unique wine for L’Ecole since it’s produced exclusively with fruit from their acclaimed Estate Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. L’Ecole is a partner in the 170-acre vineyard, which was first planted in 1981. Wine & Spirits Magazine recognized this Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe vineyard as one of the “Ten Great Vineyards of the World.”

L’Ecole produced 1,350 cases of this refreshing Bordeaux-style blend, which is also their only white wine from the Walla Walla Valley. You can find it in restaurants and retail outlets. It will also be available to buy online in the near future.

Serving and Pairing

Constance recommends taking Luminesce out of the fridge for 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors will pop even more.

We paired Luminesce with halibut patties, but crab cakes would work just as well. This white wine also complements scallops, sashimi or even a ham sandwich. And don’t forget to take a bottle with charcuterie, aged cheese and a baguette on that picnic!

Summary

In conclusion, we highly recommend L’Ecole 41 Luminesce 2020 for a picnic or with seafood or a summer salad. Here is more information about this beautiful wine from L’Ecole.

As mentioned, we are collaborating with L’Ecole in a 2021 wine education program. This beautiful 2020 Luminesce is one of several new releases we taste throughout the year. L’Ecole offers dozens of varieties in their portfolio. For instance, the winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Bordeaux blends, single-vineyard blends, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Rosé and more. The full list of their wines is available at their website.

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Cheers!
Margot and Dave