Thin-skinned, finicky, and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from Oregon, California, and throughout specific locations in the wine-producing world.
A geographic and climatic paradise for grapevines, Monterey is a part of the greater Central Coast AVA and contains within it five smaller sub-appellations, including Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, San Bernabe, Hames Valley, and the famous Santa Lucia Highlands. The climate is relatively warm but tempered by cool, coastal winds, allowing the regions in Monterey County an exceptionally long growing season. Bud break often happens two weeks sooner and harvest tends to be two weeks later compared to other surrounding regions.
Monterey’s coastal side, where the cooling ocean fog allows grapes to develop a perfect sugar-acid balance, excels in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Warmer, inland subzones are home to fleshy, concentrated, and full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
An elegant, balanced offering, the 2019 District 7 Pinot Noir is the ultimate food wine. Aromas of cherries, raspberries, and pomegranates entice with hints of vanilla and mocha. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, the bright red fruit finish wraps up with a lingering note of sweet oak.
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