# Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Sandhi
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €40
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, cherry, rose, fennel, herbaceous

## About this wine

Sandhi was founded in 2010 by sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman. The name Sandhi is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning 'alliance' or 'collaboration', reflecting the partnership between man, earth, and vine. Situated in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills AVA within Santa Barbara County, the estate focuses on showcasing wind-swept maritime terroirs, restrained alcohol levels, and energetic acidity.

## Interesting facts

- Sandhi takes its name from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning 'alliance' or 'collaboration'.
- Co-founded by world-renowned sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman.
- Made with zero additions of commercial yeast, acid, or sugar, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

## Food pairing

The lively acidity and crisp red fruit profile of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir complement earthy mushrooms and fresh herbs, while smooth, chalky tannins cut through moderately rich meats like duck and pork without overpowering fish or poultry.

## Wine making process

Fruit is organically farmed and hand-harvested at moderate Brix levels. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in open-top concrete tanks with partial to full whole-cluster inclusion. The wine undergoes no additions of commercial acid, enzymes, or sugar, and is aged for 9 months in neutral French oak barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.