TASTING ROOMS: PINOT NOIR NOUVEAU
> C L I C K H E R E T O V I S I T T H E W I N E M A K E R S S T U D I O AT W E N T E V I N E YA R D S
W
ente Vineyards
has introduced its
adaptation of
France's Beaujolais wine, and
early tastings point toward
another amazing vintage.
The Pinot Noir Nouveau
will be released the first week
of November, after a short
two-month fermenta-
tion process. It will
mark the winery's
second release of
this wine.
"There's a great
buzz about it," says
LeeAnn Kaufman, Man-
ager of The Winemakers Stu-
dio at Wente Vineyards.
Traditionally, Beaujolais
wine is fermented only a few
days and released on the
third Thursday of November,
three months after harvest.
And the French mean busi-
ness – their strict wine laws
dictate the release date,
which is the same every year.
By contrast, most reds take
up to two years – 9 to 12
months for a pinot noir – be-
fore they make it to the con-
sumer. This quick release of
Wente Vineyards' 2014 har-
vest, Kaufman says, is virtu-
ally unheard of.
Wente Vineyards' interpre-
tation shares the same char-
acteristics of France's Gamay
grape: a thin skin and low in
tannins. The idea is that
when the wine is young, it's
at its freshest and fruitiest.
The result is a light-bodied,
high-acidic fruity wine that's
best served lightly chilled.
Simply put, Wente Vine-
yards' Pinot Noir Nouveau is
ready for the dinner table.
"You're getting the straw-
berry and raspberry aspects
and less earth tones," Kauf-
man says. "This makes for a
great table wine."
The Pinot Noir Nouveau
pairs well with just about
anything, Kaufman says, es-
pecially softer cheeses and
lighter meats like turkey.
"It's a perfect choice just in
time for Thanksgiving,"
Kaufman says.
Speaking of holiday meals,
the annual Harvest Dinner is
set for Nov. 14 at The Restau-
rant at Wente Vineyards.
Wine pairings will include
the 2014 Pinot Noir Nouveau
as well as a 2012 Petite Syrah.
Cost is $115 for Entertain-
ment Club members and
$125 for the public. Call (925)
456-2424 for reservations.
FRENCH SIP
Pinot Noir Nouveau spotlights a unique varietal
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THE WENTE FAMILY
ESTATES TASTING
ROOMS
WHAT IS BEAUJOLAIS
NOUVEAU DAY?
O
n the third Thursday
every November
France's Beaujolais region
commemorates the release
of a young red wine. This is
Beaujolais Nouveau Day,
the start of about 120 five-
day festivals. And while the
fanfare is recent, the wine's
history dates back a century
to when locals made Beau-
jolais Nouveau to celebrate
the harvest season's end.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
HISTORY LESSON
