Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012
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Ethereal layers of baked strawberry invite one in to this wine, a lightly colored celebration of rose, damp earth and herb. Framed around a compact structure, the wine is airy and bright, with subtle oak and a medium body. The finish is long and velvety.
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2013-
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For years, Anthony J. Terlato was known for importing wines of quality and distinction to the US Market. During a visit to Italy in 1979, Terlato found himself in a restaurant tasting a selection of wines the US had not yet seen. His most important find: a varietal called Pinot Grigio. From there, a legacy was born. Forty years later, the Terlato Family set out to continue their passion for Pinot Grigio and find the pinnacle of production to share with the U.S. In 2014, Bill Terlato wanted to find a new Pinot Grigio for the portfolio that would be even more elevated in taste and quality - unlike any other Pinot Grigio in the market that boasted more complexity and minerality. The ultimate quality was found in the hills of Friuli, with a partnership between the Capaldo Family and Sirch Families. It was with this combined partnership and discovery of Friuli that the Terlato family knew they could continue to tell their luxury story and continue to evolve Pinot Grigio. With over four decades of experience importing, marketing & sharing luxury wine with American consumers, a new era of Pinot Grigio was born. Terlato Vineyards continues to promote luxury Pinot Grigio that highlights a sense of place and delivers the ultimate quality. In 2018, a new package was introduced and in 2019, a partnership with Riedel was formed to develop a Pinot Grigio-specific glass to enhance the Terlato experience.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.