Alcohol: 13.8%
Grape(s): Pinot Noir
Localization: Sonoma County, California, USA
Tasting Notes: The microclimates of the Sonoma Coast AVA include the western portion of Carneros and the Petaluma Gap. The cool climate and low yield of these vineyards allow Pinot Noir grapes to mature slowly while retaining their natural acidity, resulting in a balanced wine with ripe flavors, silky texture and crisp acidity. Aged primarily in large oak casks and “neutral” older barrels, this wine exhibits flavors of cherries, strawberries and spice, with a lively finish.
Notes: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with 2-4 pump overs daily, followed by malolactic fermentation in neutral oak.
Aging/Cooperage in 1100 gallon neutral oak casks and stainless steel.
The microclimates of the Sonoma Coast AVA include the western portion of Carneros and the Petaluma Gap. The cool climate and low yield of these vineyards allow Pinot Noir grapes to mature slowly while retaining their natural acidity, resulting in a balanced wine with ripe flavors, silky texture and crisp acidity. Aged primarily in large oak casks and “neutral” older barrels, this wine exhibits flavors of cherries, strawberries and spice, with a lively finish that is an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish and fowl or barbecued meats.
Food Pairing: An ideal accompaniment to grilled fish and fowl or barbecued meats.
The Domain: Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated Cabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards).
Drawing on his long experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California, Walter set up his own winery with his wife Gertrud in the cool, marine climate of the Carneros Appellation. Here he could focus on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that had always been close to his heart.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery combines old world understanding and tradition with modern winemaking techniques. By using only the finest grapes available, and maintaining the best winemaking values, these wines have gained acceptance worldwide as true contemporary classics.
