Winemaking Process | At Talley Vineyards, the Estate Pinot Noir is the embodiment of commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the San Luis Obispo Coast's Arroyo Grande Valley. As pioneers in this region, having planted their first vineyard in 1982 and produced their first wine in 1986, there's a deep understanding of how to harness the cool climate and hillside topography to create wines of distinction.
The winemaking philosophy is inspired by Burgundy, with a focus on producing wines that perfectly express place and time. However, Talley Vineyards bring a California influence to this approach, resulting in Pinot Noirs that balance approachable minerality with delicate fruit and refreshing energy.
The grapes for their Estate Pinot Noir are carefully hand-harvested from the family-farmed vineyards. The winemaking process is designed to preserve the natural characteristics of the fruit and showcase the unique attributes of the vintage. The 2022 growing season has resulted in a bright and crunchy expression of Pinot Noir, perfectly capturing the essence of our coastal terroir.
After fermentation, the wine is aged with careful attention to oak influence, ensuring that it complements rather than overwhelms the delicate fruit flavors. The result is a wine with an alcohol content of 13.2%, a balanced acidity of 5.4 g/L, and a pH of 3.72. The wine was bottled in January 2024, allowing it time to integrate before release.
Tasting Notes | As you pour a glass of the 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, you'll immediately notice its vibrant color, hinting at the fresh, energetic wine within. The nose is an enticing blend of forest floor and violet, setting the stage for a complex tasting experience.
On the palate, the wine reveals its true character. The vintage's bright and crunchy nature shines through, with vibrant flavors of cranberry and raspberry taking center stage. These are beautifully accented by notes of black raspberry and orange zest, adding layers of complexity to the fruit profile.
The texture is elegant and silky, a hallmark of Talley Pinot Noir. The wine's refreshing acidity provides energy and lift, while the delicate tannins offer just enough structure to balance the fruit.
This Pinot Noir strikes a beautiful balance between fruit purity and terroir expression, embodying the best qualities of the San Luis Obispo Coast and the Arroyo Grande Valley.
How to Enjoy | To fully appreciate the nuances of our Estate Pinot Noir, we recommend serving it at a cool room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). This temperature range helps to highlight the wine's fresh fruit characteristics and delicate aromatics.
While enjoyable now, this wine has the structure and balance to develop beautifully over the next 5-7 years. If you choose to open it now, consider decanting for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the full range of aromas and flavors to emerge.
This versatile Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a range of dishes that complement its delicate yet flavorful profile. Consider serving it alongside:
* Herb-roasted chicken or turkey
* Grilled salmon or tuna
* Wild mushroom risotto
* Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert
The wine's bright acidity and silky texture make it an excellent companion for dishes with a bit of richness, as it helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir represents the culmination of nearly four decades of winemaking experience in the Arroyo Grande Valley. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the distinctive terroir of the San Luis Obispo Coast through the lens of a pioneering producer. Whether you're a long-time fan of cool-climate Pinot Noir or new to the style, this wine promises a refreshing and authentic expression of this noble grape variety.
You may also like
Recently viewed
