# Calera Pinot Noir Central Coast (2022)

- **Producer:** Calera Wine Company
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, red cherry, cranberry, vanilla, cloves, mushroom, leather, earth

## About this wine

Calera Wine Company, established in 1975 by Josh Jensen, is a pioneering winery in California's Central Coast. Jensen's quest for limestone-rich soils, similar to those found in Burgundy, led him to establish the winery high in the Gavilan Mountains. This pursuit has been instrumental in positioning the Central Coast as a leading region for cool-climate varietals, especially Pinot Noir. The Calera Pinot Noir Central Coast is recognized as a benchmark for the appellation, offering a more approachable yet characterful representation of the winery's terroir-driven philosophy.

## Interesting facts

- Calera means 'lime kiln' in Spanish, reflecting founder Josh Jensen's search for limestone soils.
- The winery is located high in the Gavilan Mountains, at elevations between 1800-2200 feet.
- Josh Jensen was a pioneer in establishing the Central Coast as a world-class Pinot Noir region.
- Native yeasts are preferred for fermentation at Calera.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and vibrant acidity complement richer proteins and fattier fish, cutting through richness and cleansing the palate. Its fruit-forward character and subtle earthy notes can harmonize with a variety of herbs and spices found in both meat and vegetarian dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Calera's Central Coast Pinot Noir involves fermentation in open-top fermenters, often with the inclusion of whole clusters and a preference for native yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for 10 months in French oak barrels, with a composition of 10% new and 90% neutral oak. This approach is designed to allow the inherent qualities of the grapes and the vineyard's terroir to be the primary focus of the wine.