# Capitello Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Capitello Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Oregon, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €34
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** boysenberry, biscuit

## About this wine

The Capitello Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a 2023 vintage red wine produced by Capitello Wines in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Winemaker Ray Walsh, who founded the family winery with roots in New Zealand, aims to highlight the distinct characteristics of the vineyard and fruit. The Willamette Valley is a globally recognized region for Pinot Noir, known for its cool climate that fosters elegance and balance. The 2023 growing season presented unique conditions, with a warm late spring and a dry autumn contributing to optimal ripeness and a vintage described as having both intensity and grace.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Ray Walsh brings experience from both New Zealand and Oregon.
- The 2023 vintage was characterized by a rapid growth cycle.
- Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is often seen as a stylistic bridge.
- Capitello Wines emphasizes letting the fruit speak for itself.

## Food pairing

The medium body and balanced acidity of this Pinot Noir make it versatile. Its fruit notes complement lighter proteins and earthy flavors, while its moderate tannins can stand up to richer dishes without overpowering them. The wine's structure can cut through moderate richness and fat.

## Wine making process

The Capitello Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is crafted with a focus on expressing the varietal and terroir. While specific technical details for the 2023 vintage are not publicly available, the producer's general approach involves fermentation in oak tanks. The wine is subsequently aged, with the 2022 vintage spending 19 months in French Oak, a process that typically imparts structure and complexity. The 2023 growing season in the Willamette Valley was marked by a rapid vine growth cycle due to warm spring temperatures, followed by a dry autumn that facilitated optimal fruit ripeness. Winemaker Ray Walsh's philosophy emphasizes allowing the natural characteristics of the fruit and vineyard to shine through his winemaking.