# Verada Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Verada
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.8%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, strawberry, raspberry, plum, violet, vanilla, cloves, toast

## About this wine

Verada is a California-based producer dedicated to crafting expressive, varietally true wines that highlight the state's diverse microclimates. Sourcing fruit from select vineyards across California's renowned growing regions, Verada focuses on creating approachable yet sophisticated wines. This Pinot Noir represents their commitment to capturing the delicate balance of fruit and structure that California's coastal-influenced regions can provide, offering a reliable and classic representation of the grape.

## Interesting facts

- Verada focuses on sourcing Pinot Noir from vineyards influenced by cool coastal breezes and morning fog.
- The brand is designed to offer premium California AVA characteristics at an accessible everyday price point.
- Pinot Noir's thin skins make it highly sensitive to vineyard temperatures, requiring meticulous canopy management.

## Food pairing

Pinot Noir is celebrated for its exceptional food-pairing versatility. Its high natural acidity cuts through rich, fatty dishes like duck or salmon, while its low-to-medium tannins ensure it does not overpower delicate proteins. The earthy undertones of the grape harmonize beautifully with mushrooms and herbs, making it a seamless match for a wide array of savory dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Verada Pinot Noir focuses on preserving the bright fruit character and delicate aromatics of the grape. Harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo gentle destemming followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. A portion of the wine is aged in seasoned French oak barrels to introduce subtle spice notes and round out the tannins, while the remainder stays in stainless steel to maintain freshness and vibrant acidity before final blending and bottling.