# Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir (2022)

- **Producer:** Sandhi Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.2%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate, orange zest, red cherry, spice, cloves, tea rose, black tea

## About this wine

Sandhi Wines, founded by Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman in 2010, is a small-production winery dedicated to expressing the unique terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in Santa Barbara County, California. The winery's name, 'Sandhi,' meaning 'union' in Sanskrit, symbolizes the harmonious relationship between human intervention, the earth, and the vine. The Sta. Rita Hills, with its cool climate and distinctive sedimentary soils, provides an ideal environment for growing Pinot Noir. The 2022 vintage is noted for its high-toned aromatics and vibrant fruit profile, reflecting the specific conditions of that year.

## Interesting facts

- Sandhi means 'union' in Sanskrit, reflecting the winery's philosophy.
- Vineyards feature sedimentary soils with diatomaceous earth and limestone.
- The wine is made from grapes farmed using 'Practicing Organic' methods.
- Small production winery founded by a renowned sommelier and winemaker.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and bright acidity make it versatile. Its fruit-forward character complements lighter meats and fish, while the acidity cuts through richer sauces and fattier proteins. Earthy notes in the wine find a natural partner in mushroom dishes.

## Wine making process

The Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022 is produced using grapes from select Sta. Rita Hills vineyards, farmed using 'Practicing Organic' methods. The fruit is hand-harvested and undergoes indigenous fermentation in open-top cement tanks. For the 2022 vintage, 80% of the grapes were destemmed, with 20% whole cluster inclusion. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for nine months in neutral French oak barrels. The winery's approach focuses on minimal intervention to express the vineyard's terroir.