  |
|
|
|
Tiny Appellation - Terrific Value
With only three wineries operating in the Cienega Valley appellation, Pietra Santa is obligated to show the distinction of this region. And it does. A wide range of varietals ranging from Pinot Grigio to Cabernet Sauvignon shows well here due to its maritime influence and elevation. Pietra Santa Winery is located directly over the infamous San Andreas Fault in Central California. We've made reference in past articles to the possibility that fault movement impacts soil texture in positive ways for viticulture. Perhaps Pietra Santa Winery provides a case in point. Over the past decade or so we have properly associated this producer with superior Sangiovese and Sangiovese blends. But in recent years their portfolio has expanded under the direction of winemaker Allesio Carli, who also makes an artisanal olive oil. Carli came to Pietra Santa from Tuscany, where he was Assistant Winemaker for Badia a Coltibuono, one of Tuscany's leading Chianti houses. So look for an Italian style in his Pietra Santa Sangioveses. The most notable feature of this winery to us is its ability to offer truly premium quality wines at affordable prices. Here are our reviews: WHITE AND ROSÉ 2006 Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio "Amore" Cienega Valley; 14.8% alc., $20Pietra Santa's Pinot Grigio, named Amore because it's said to be a labor of love, is an excellent example of what this lovely varietal can do when planted in the right location. Pietra Santa's Pinot Grigio vines are planted on a terraced hillside overlooking the Cienega Valley in California's Monterey County where the cool marine climate allows these grapes to deliver optimum balance of varietally pure flavors and crisp - but not too crisp - acidity. We loved the very good aromatics that showcased delicious pear, apple, and citrus flavors. It's a clean drinking wine with a refreshing bright finish. A classy Pinot Grigio that will make a perfect apértif or accompaniment to light seafood dishes such as pan-fried sole amandine or snapper. Recommended. 2005 Pietra Santa Rosato Cienega Valley; 14.9% alc., $14The '05 Pietra Santa Rosato, made from 100% Sangiovese, is one of the most attractive California Rosatos we've tasted. It's a good example of the new breed of pink wines finally appearing after the white Zinfandel craze left many of us with the impression that pink wines had to be sweet and monodimensional. The Pietra Santa Rosato is serious wine with an alluring nose of jujube, rose petals and a hint of tropical fruits. Rich strawberry flavors follow and linger on the palate. An excellent stand-alone wine. Perfect for picnics. We can't think of a better wine to accompany a ham and cheese sandwich. Off-dry, but crisp on the palate. Highly Recommended. 2005 Pietra Santa Chardonnay Central Coast; 14.3% alc., $15A fine food-friendly Central Coast Chardonnay. Light in color and body, but long on flavor and complexity. A great balance of fruit flavors (unripe pear, mango, lemon, crème brulèe) and gentle oak influences (almond, vanilla). Light on the palate but long and sweet on the finish. Bright and refreshing but not overly acidic. Pietra Santa's '05 Chardonnay drinks like a Chardonnay costing substantially more. Recommended. Reviews of Pietra Santa red wines appear in the following article.
The copyright of the article Pietra Santa — a Winery to Watch in New World Wine is owned by Alan Boehmer. Permission to republish Pietra Santa — a Winery to Watch in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
