California Cool: Touring the Terroir

Wine lovers agree – Sonoma and Monterey produce superstar Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In this post, we’ll explore each region in more depth to understand nuances that tease the unique flavor and textural profiles out of our wines.

Deeply affected by their proximity to the ocean, both the Sonoma Coast and Monterey regions experience the cooling influences of wind and fog which slow down grape ripening and result in wine with robust fruit character and crisp natural acidity.

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma is well-known for dramatic seascapes, blankets of fog that drape the vineyards, and rugged hillsides – natural elements that result in some of the most distinctive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir around. As a result, Chardonnays are layered with aromas and flavors of ripe peach, pear and caramel. While Pinot Noirs offer rich red fruit and spice, often with subtle notes of cola and espresso on the palate.

Monterey

The Monterey wine growing region is heavily influenced by cool coastal wind from the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Similar in climate to Sonoma but not quite as well-known, Monterey is becoming well-regarded for distinctly unique boutique wines. Located an hour and a half south of the San Francisco Bay Area near the quaint town of Carmel and legendary Pebble Beach, howling wind is Monterey’s signature. Combined with daily fog and a diversity of terriors, the result is chardonnays that are more eccentric, exhibiting mineral driven qualities and exotic tropical fruit notes while the pinot noirs are free-spirited , with earthy herbal aromas along with dark plum and blackberry flavors.

Whatever your sense of style, taste or mood, these two amazing regions offer opportunities to explore through our La Crema Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Although offering different taste experiences, they each embody the distinctive style and sophistication of La Crema: fruit aromas and lush flavors that are ripe but still fresh, bright natural acidity to compliment a variety of foods and offer wine lovers alike with elegant, silky, round textured wine.