# The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir (2021)

- **Producer:** The Hilt
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.1%
- **Average price:** €60
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, blossom, redcurrant, rose, fennel, grass, blackberry, vanilla, cedar, cloves, mushroom, dried fruit, earth, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir is a red wine from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, California. The estate is situated in a challenging, windy, and foggy coastal environment that influences grape ripening. Winemaker Matt Dees crafts balanced and structured wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the land. The Hilt estate is owned by Stan Kroenke, who is also associated with other notable wineries. The estate's philosophy emphasizes wines defined by place, style, and time, reflecting the dynamic coastal California environment. Farming practices at Rancho Salsipuedes have excluded herbicides and pesticides since 2014, and the estate integrates viticulture with agriculture and livestock.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes are sourced from Radian and Bentrock vineyards.
- Vine age ranges from 8 to 44 years old.
- Farming practices exclude herbicides and pesticides.
- Estate integrates viticulture with livestock.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and fine tannins complement the richness of proteins like duck, pork, and lamb. Its bright acidity cuts through fattier dishes, while potential savory and earthy notes in the wine can echo or contrast with ingredients like mushrooms, herbs, and fruits.

## Wine making process

The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir undergoes a winemaking process that includes a cold soak for an average of three days before fermentation. Approximately 15% whole clusters are used during fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak and 80% neutral oak. The grapes are sourced from Radian Vineyard and Bentrock Vineyard, located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Farming practices at the estate have excluded herbicides and pesticides since 2014, and the estate integrates viticulture with agriculture and livestock.