This Wine of the Weekend is a day early because Pinot Noir Day is upon us! Yes, August 18 celebrates “The Heartbreak Grape”, a nickname well-deserved since it is so easy to love, but so hard to grow. Pinot Noir has thin skins, making it a target for pests and rot in the vineyards if conditions are not perfect. Fortunately, California is a happy home for Pinot Noir, and Avalon is an example that is heartbreakingly delicious.
Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir, Avalon showcases silky tannins and lush notes of cherry and ripe red fruit. Intriguing spice components give way to notes of sweet, toasty oak with just a hint of smoke.
Enjoy With: Grilled pork or smoked ribs, cedar plank salmon, roasted chicken or turkey, and mild cheeses.
Style: A juicy, medium-bodied red wine.
Terroir/Region: Avalon Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards in the cool growing regions of Central and Northern California to utilize the ocean’s influence. The important word there is cool – the vineyards near the coast benefit from chilly morning ocean air and fog that allows the grapes to gradually be exposed to the intensity of the California sun. This slows ripening and creates balanced, complex flavours.
Producer: The team at Avalon focuses on maintaining the crisp fruit flavours and complex nuances it knows its vineyards produce. Gentle handling and maintaining cool temperatures during fermentation allow the team to hold on to all the pure fruit aromas and flavours, making Avalon Pinot Noir delicious and easy drinking.
Availability: Avalon Pinot Noir can be found in the California section of your local LCBO and is available for online ordering. Pick up a few to celebrate Pinot Noir all weekend long!
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $17.95
LCBO #: 25842
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 14.% alc./vol.
