A White Wine Worth Talking About: Massican’s Coastal Cool in the Heart of Napa

k engels

7 months ago

A chilled glass, a hot air balloon, and a sip of Napa’s most compelling white wine — explore the cool elegance of Massican.

When we think of Napa Valley, bold Cabernets and opulent tasting rooms often spring to mind. But in the sea of reds, there’s a rising tide of white—and at its helm is a quiet revolutionary: Dan Petroski.

Massican, Petroski’s brainchild, is one of Napa’s most exciting stories. Born out of a deep love for Northern Italy’s white wines, this label defies expectations by spotlighting Mediterranean-style whites in a region renowned for its reds. Named for the Massiccio mountain range along Italy’s coast, Massican evokes breezy elegance and coastal complexity in every bottle.

The Wine: ANNIA

Massican’s flagship white, ANNIA, is a gorgeous blend of Tocai Friulano (45%), Ribolla Gialla (35%), and a touch of Chardonnay (20%). It’s a nod to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region known for crafting some of Italy’s most structured and age-worthy white wines.

In the glass, ANNIA shimmers with floral aromatics, almond, pear skin, Meyer lemon, and saline minerality. There’s freshness, there’s restraint—and there’s a long, satisfying finish that pairs brilliantly with herbed cheeses, grilled seafood, or even spring vegetables dressed in citrus and olive oil. It’s one of the few California whites that sommeliers, chefs, and collectors agree is both cerebral and delicious.

The Winemaker: Dan Petroski

A former magazine publisher turned winemaker, Dan Petroski’s path to viticulture began in Italy—where a glass of Friulano changed his life. After working harvests and learning the Old World way, he returned to California and eventually launched Massican in 2009. His goal? To create wines that were low in alcohol, vibrant in acidity, and unapologetically food-focused.

He succeeded. Petroski’s wines have earned national acclaim, including Winemaker of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle and a 2024 Next Wave Award from VinePair. In 2023, Massican entered a new chapter through a partnership with E. & J. Gallo Winery, with a shared vision of expanding distribution while keeping Massican’s integrity intact.

Petroski doesn’t chase trends—he quietly leads them.

Visit: Napa Valley Beyond the Reds

Planning a trip to explore the wine behind the bottle? Napa Valley offers far more than Cabernet.

Where to Stay:

Bardessono Hotel and Spa in Yountville offers eco-luxury and serene spa experiences just steps from world-class dining. info@bardessono.com Social: @bardessonohotelspa
Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford is a classic splurge with olive groves, panoramic terraces, and elevated cuisine. Social: @aubergedusoleil
Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena delivers timeless luxury, tucked into forested hills with golf and spa access. Social: @meadowoodnapavalley

What to Do:

Dine at The French Laundry. It’s not just dinner—it’s a culinary pilgrimage.
Explore Oxbow Public Market. Local provisions, fresh oysters, craft coffee, and of course, wine tastings.
Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train. Sip and savor scenic views from a restored vintage railcar.
Take to the skies. A hot air balloon ride at sunrise reveals the quiet magic of Napa from above.
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc | Napa Valley Aloft | Balloons Above the Valley

Why This Wine, Why Now?

In a world of loud labels and over-oaked whites, Massican ANNIA is a whisper that speaks volumes. It’s a wine that invites you to slow down, notice nuance, and appreciate the beauty of restraint.

For Basil & Salt Living, it represents everything we love: meaningful craftsmanship, bold originality, and a story rooted in travel, tradition, and terroir.

Pair it: Grilled trout with preserved lemon, fresh goat cheese with apricot preserves, or lemon risotto with spring peas.
Where to Buy: Visit massican.com or inquire at fine wine retailers.
Follow the Journey: @massicanwinery on Instagram

Cheers to white wines with soul.