At the table with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023
To be enjoyed with roast beef with morels, a rack of lamb with thyme, a hare stew, a Kobe steak grilled on the plancha or with a Gruyère matured for 24 months.
Our wines for
Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023TWOMEY
Founded in 1999 by the Duncan family of Silver Oak, the Twomey estate set out to go beyond Cabernet Sauvignon and make wine from other grape varieties sourced exclusively from vineyards with a strong identity. More than 20 years later, Twomey wines are a skilful blend of time and terroir, from renowned cool-climate vineyards stretching along the coast, from the Santa Maria Valley in California to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
This is the 1st Pinot Noir made by Twomey, crafted to showcase the cool, renowned terroir of the Russian River Valley. After hand harvesting, the grapes go straight to the winery, where they are sorted and gently pressed. Fermentation follows at a controlled temperature in stainless-steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 14 months. This wine reveals notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, morello cherry, prune, dark spices, cinnamon and cocoa beans. The palate is fleshy, dense and juicy, subtly balanced by the acidity of the Russian River terroir. The tannins are fine and elegant, and the finish shows persistence and complexity.
Where are we traveling?
CaliforniaUnited States
Although all 50 US states produce wine, California alone accounts for around 85% of the country's output, making it the world's 4th largest producer after Italy, France and Spain. The climate is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which is a cold ocean at this latitude. Wine regions near the Pacific have an oceanic climate that becomes Mediterranean the further inland you go, and more continental close to the Sierra Nevada. Bays and inlets such as San Pablo Bay act as temperature regulators for viticulture, particularly in the Napa and Sonoma valleys.
Sub-region: Russian River
The Russian River Valley is one of California's most renowned winegrowing environments, offering an ideal terroir for grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Located in Sonoma County, the area enjoys a cool, moderate Mediterranean climate, influenced by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures stay cooler than in other Californian wine regions thanks to the morning mist and coastal fog that roll into the valley, especially during the summer months. The soils of the Russian River Valley are varied and rich in alluvial sediment, giving excellent water retention and optimal drainage. This encourages slow, steady development of the vines, producing well-balanced grapes with invigorating acidity and complex aromas. The valley itself is crossed by the Russian River, which helps moderate the area's temperatures and humidity.
The little history of the country
United States
In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...).
In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public.
Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.
All about Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023
At what temperature should Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023 be served?
Between 14 and 16 °C.
How long can Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023 be kept?
Ageing potential: 10 years or more, until at least 2033. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023?
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir. Origin: California, United States. Alcohol: 13.5%.
What to serve with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023?
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023 pairs well with lamb, beef, hard cheese and game. Our dish ideas are in the food pairing box at the top of the page.