The Little Black Dress of Wines
Think of Pinot Noir as the little black dress of wines. It pairs with just about anything, from soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert to pasta with red sauces, or raspberry mousse cake. With its versatility, it can suit just about any occasion. Lake Sonoma is a key producer of cool climate California Pinot Noir. With its Sonoma Coast appellation, grapes are sourced from cooler vineyard sites, primarily in the Carneros area. Bordering San Pablo Bay, a northernmost extension of San Francisco Bay, cool breezes and morning fogs moderate the temperatures throughout the gently rolling hills giving it a micro-climate that mimics France’s Burgundy region fairly closely. Don’t be surprised to see dairy cattle grazing in pastures surrounded by vineyards. And let’s not forget those four-legged lawn mowers, sheep - Carneros in Spanish. Berry fruits combined with a pleasant earthiness and spicy notes give us a textbook Pinot Noir à la California. If you are ever in the neighborhood, make sure to check out the well-established local artisanal cheese scene.