# Poppy Monterey County Pinot Noir (2024)

- **Producer:** Poppy Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 13–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, strawberry, toast, vanilla, cloves

## About this wine

Founded in 2003 by the Silva family, Poppy Wines draws on over 45 years of agricultural expertise in California's Salinas Valley. The producer takes its name from California's state flower, which grows natively along the vineyard borders. Grape sourcing spans cool-climate sub-regions within Monterey County, including designated sites in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs, benefiting from maritime coastal influences.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by the Silva family, who have farmed California's Salinas Valley for over 45 years.
- Named after California's state flower, which grows wild around the estate vineyards.
- Vineyard sites benefit from cool maritime ocean fog blowing through the Salinas Valley.

## Food pairing

Cool-climate Monterey Pinot Noir combines bright natural acidity with silky, gentle tannins. This allows it to complement lighter proteins like duck, pork, and oily fish, while matching wonderfully with earthy ingredients such as wild mushrooms.

## Wine making process

Grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks using minimalist cellar practices to preserve varietal expression. Following fermentation, the wine is matured with subtle exposure to French oak barrels to integrate structural texture while retaining site-specific fruit characteristics.