Calldera Category "l" Value Wine: 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir

Calldera wine category:  l (earthy, medium-to-full bodied, not tannic, not acidic, oaked)

Origin:  Carneros (Sonoma County), California U.S.A.

Calldera rating:  4.5 (on a 1 – 5 point scale)

Calldera tasting note:  “Balanced, light cherry colored wine with an aroma of raspberry and wet hay.  Red fruit on the palate.  Lingering finish.  Sip and observe the wildlife.”

% alcohol:  14.5%

Average price:  $22.00

The 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is an earthy, full-bodied wine with mild acidity and a red fruit flavor.  The wine’s discernible yet mild acidity results in a fruit expression of slightly under-ripe raspberry and ripe-but-not-sweet cherry.  While not exuding tartness, the wine’s mild acidity lends a welcome counterbalance to the full-bodied nature of the wine.  The wine is ready to drink now.

The predominant flavor of the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is earthy.  This smell and taste are best described as “wet hay” or “humous.”  But don’t think you are about to sip a dirt clod.  The earthiness is only one dimension of the wine, providing a degree of complexity and a complement to certain food pairings.

Characteristic of wines produced from the Pinot Noir grape, the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is low in acidity and tannins.  But unlike many wines produced from the Pinot Noir grape, the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is full-bodied and relatively high in alcohol.  These characteristics coupled with the earthy flavor of the wine enable some unique food pairings.  Namely, the wine will pair nicely with flavorful fish, medium-textured grilled or fried meats and savory vegetarian dishes.

At an average price of $22 per bottle, the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is not inexpensive but is a good value for a quality Pinot Noir wine.  Also, as a Calldera “l” category wine, the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir offers somewhat unique wine flavor characteristics. 

Because the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is neither acidic nor tannic, the wine is appealing to many people...with the notable exception that those who abhor an earthy wine will not like this wine.

On the other hand, because the 2015 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir is so flavorful and full-bodied, it is a great pairing for seasoned, grilled salmon, grilled winter vegetables (beets, carrots, turnips), roasted or simply grilled pork...and even fried chicken.  Your friends who do not prefer earthy red wines are likely to enjoy this wine with the right food pairing.  This, combined with the reasonable price of the wine, makes it a great choice for a special couple’s dinner or dinner with friends.

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