COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2019
GRAPE
Pinot Noir
PRODUCER
Racines
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Racines is an exciting collaboration between Burgundy's Étienne de Montille and Brian Sieve, and Champagne's Rodolphe Péters. This project represents their first venture outside of France, specifically choosing the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills in California's Central Coast. The Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir is crafted to showcase the unique maritime-influenced terroir of the region, combining Burgundian precision and elegance with the vibrant, pure fruit characteristics of California. The vineyards are heavily influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, which brings cool fogs and steady winds, allowing for slow ripening and excellent acid retention.
ALCOHOL
13.0%
AVG. PRICE
€55
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
A collaboration between Étienne de Montille of Burgundy and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne, marking their first joint venture outside France.
Fact 02
The Sta. Rita Hills AVA is unique for its east-west mountain valleys, which funnel cool Pacific breezes directly into the vineyards.
Fact 03
The winemaking team utilizes whole-cluster fermentation and minimal new oak to emphasize freshness, structure, and terroir over wood flavors.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for the Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir focuses on minimal intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit and terroir. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted. Fermentation occurs using native yeasts in a combination of concrete tanks and wooden vats, often incorporating a portion of whole clusters to add structural complexity and aromatic lift. The wine is aged for approximately 11 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with a very low percentage of new oak, to ensure the wood does not overpower the delicate Pinot Noir fruit. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
