Alta Maria Pinot Noir “Carbonic”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- An absolute gem of subtlety and class, reminding us of what elegant Pinot Noir can provide!
- The Alta Maria Carbonic Pinot Noir grapes come from Richmond Mountain.
- Processed in a carbonic fashion, in which the juice is allowed to ferment inside the mostly intact grape skins, much like what’s done in Beaujolais. The carbonic approach means lower acidity which we like.
- James Ontiveros and his team oversee every aspect of the winemaking process.
- Sustainable Farming practices are used.An absolute gem of subtlety and class, reminding us of what elegant Pinot Noir can provide!
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Using Clone 22 commonly referred to as the Gamay clone of Pinot Noir, and 21 day whole-cluster Carbonic Maceration without pump-overs in a closed stainless steel tank, followed by cellar aging 4 months in neutral French Oak.
Tasting Notes: Transparent, ruby red wine that offers scents of a dust storm mixed with crushed rock and chile pepper herbaciousness. It’s warm and soft on the mouth with a presence that suggests something between peppercorns and bell peppers.
PRESS
2013 – 92 Wine Enthusiast | 90 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Alta Maria Vineyards was established in 2005 by James Ontiveros who also owns Ranchos de Ontiveros, featuring estate-sourced, single-site, single-vineyard wine. His Native9 Pinot Noir represents the ninth generation of the Ontiveros family in California, going back to a 1781 land grant within the pueblo of Los Angeles. The family’s roots trace back to La Rioja in Old Spain in the 1500s.
Eventually, James’ fifth great-grandfather, Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros, and his wife, Doña Martina, moved their extensive farming operation north to Santa Barbara County in search of water and more land. They settled in what would become the town of Santa Maria.
While James’ estate wines are crafted with an old-world approach, Alta Maria wines celebrate the fruit of the appellation. They are light, fresh, and savory. The name Alta means high or elevated and exudes a refined aura that, like fine wine, will age well. The name Maria is an homage to the ancestors of James Ontiveros who left a legacy of love for the lush Santa Maria River valley.