California Love / Sta. Rita Hills
California Love
Santa Barbara County has become one of the most diverse and iconic wine regions in the US. This region, which is about a 5 hour drive south of San Francisco (which also happens to be a gorgeous drive) makes an immense amount of varietals. Each AVA (American Viticultural Area) has their own specialities due to varying microclimates and soil differences. Founded in 2001, Sta. Rita Hills is a cool climate area that is perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Photo Credit: Racines Wine
That is the background information, so we all have some context. Really though I just love this area, and have been looking for an excuse to drink more wines from here. The recipe for perfection here is normally something like this ; A valley in proximity to an ocean, morning fog that hangs over for a while, opening up to bright mid day sun. There is a reason this recipe works so well, and it is that the grapes are allowed to retain acidity but also ripen.
So, what makes these Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays taste different than those of Sonoma, Oregon, or Burgundy? The answer is tart vibrant fruit that is balanced by fresh acid and minerality. Balance is incredibly helpful in making beautiful wine.
We turn to the frustrating fact that while there are a slew of great wineries in this sub AVA, we do not have access to many of them in Connecticut. Thankfully there are still some amazing projects there we do have access to. They are all delicious and I will not be naming them all, but I want to mention one we recently picked up.
Racines is a joint project between Justin Willet (from Tyler Winery), Étienne de Montille and Rodolphe Péters. Bringing together Santa Barbara, Champagne, and Burgundy.
Racines
The Chardonnay is rich, full of lemon and melon on the nose. Small amounts of new oak round out the palate and provide a textural creaminess. Mineral and fresh finish helps maintain a balance to the whole package.
The Pinot Noir is full of raspberry brightness, with a pop of strawberry. Honestly I could just drink this for a month and be happy about it.
– David
(Written while drinking a glass of the Pinot)
