Chandon Pinot Noir

Description

Chandon crafts its still wines by drawing on experience with traditional Champagne varietals and by showcasing select parcels from our Carneros ranch, where we were among the pioneering growers and vintners of the region.Vineyards Our Carneros terroir is diverse with rolling hills sloping to San Pablo Bay. The proximity of the bay moderates the vineyard microclimates with morning and evening fog along with afternoon breezes. The cool, extended growing season is ideal for Pinot Noir and provides the long hang time essential for complexity, intense aromatics and flavor, and finesse. Our Pinot Noir parcels intended for still wines are on alluvial clay and Haire clay loam soils. These devigorating shallow soils are perfect for intense still wines because they grow compact clusters with very small berries. The small berries have a very high skin to juice ratio, which results in lots of color and flavor along with fine tannins.Vintage Conditions 2013 was a perfect vintage with long warm days and a dry growing season. We were able to sit back and wait as the grapes ripened on the vine and developed complex flavors. The wines have developed the opulence and balanced acidity during the aging process that will allow them to age gracefully.Vinification Our Pinot Noir grapes were sorted and added to open-top fermenters, with a small percentage of lots maintained as whole clusters. All were fermented using native yeasts. While the wine was actively fermenting, it was treated to daily punch downs and the occasional delestage. After the wine finished fermentation it was transferred to French oak barrels, 30 percent new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for 17 months.Tasting Notes Intense aromas Damsom plum, dark cherry, juniper and vanilla jump out of the glass. Red cherry and plum flavors mingle on the palate with vanilla and toasted oak. The ripe style is reflected in soft, round tannins which end with a long and lingering finish.Food Pairing One of our most food-friendly reds, this wine will be delicious with a broad variety of dishes seared duck breast, smoked salmon salad, lamb souvlaki, a simple Rueben sandwich or a lunch of pickled herring and dill potatoes.Serving And Cellaring Pinot Noir is best when served slightly cooler than room temperature. The structure of this wine will lend itself to cellaring for 5 to 8 years. – Domaine Chandon