Pinot Noir at Fog Crest Vineyard

The allure of Pinot Noir captures the heart and soul of winemakers and wine drinkers.

Just the mere utterance of “Pinot Noir” conjures up thoughts of elegance, allure and elusiveness. However, the versatility of the grape makes it actually a “go to” wine choice for so many different foods. Shall we add contradictory to our list of descriptors for this varietal that has inspired, vexed and compelled winemakers for centuries?

Despite the finicky, difficult to grow nature of Pinot Noir, winemakers around the globe can’t resist the opportunity to finesse this grape into an age worthy wine that features the traditional and expected characteristics of the varietal while remaining true and reflective of its terroir. Offerings from its home of Burgundy, France, are now joined by beautiful expressions from Australia, Italy, Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, and the United States wine regions of Oregon, Washington and California.

With over 40 different clones of Pinot Noir available, the possibilities are endless, sparking a passion, dare we say obsession, in both winemakers and drinkers to create or taste, respectively, the “perfect” pinot. The quest both torments and delights. The gamut of characteristics running from intriguingly earthy or gamey to intensely ripe and fruit forward, means there is a Pinot Noir for every palate and just about any food pairing.

Pinot Noir at Fog Crest Vineyard

At Fog Crest Vineyard, using Clones 777, 828 and Pommard, our Estate Pinot Noir expresses with an elegant medium weight and soft red berry flavor with a little smokiness or earthiness. The nose reveals aromas of Asian spices, nutmeg, cola and moss. Our Laguna West Pinot Noir is ruby red in color, offering bright acidity with notes of strawberry, lavender and hawthorn, and is truly that wine that seems to pair well with everything.

The third member of our Pinot Noir Family, our Estate “Upper Block” comes from a one acre block in our vineyard, field blended with clones 115, 777 and Pommard. Made only in exceptional vintages, the grapes from this low-yielding block are co-fermented, resulting in a wine that is highly concentrated with intense fruit. It is unique and distinctive with savory notes of earth, red berries and baking spice in the nose and palate.

The darling of our Pinot Noir lineup is our Rosé of Pinot Noir. Nothing says Summer like a cool, crisp, aromatic Rosé with bright acidity, as an aperitif or paired with fresh salads, slightly spicy Latin or Asian foods, grilled salmon, or a classic Salade Niçoise.

Some favorite food pairings for Pinot Noir

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto

Grilled Chicken Achiote

La Doba a la Nissarda

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb