2001 Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir

Bonaccorsi Winery and Vineyards is in Buelton, in California’s Central Coast region. It was founded in 1999 by Michael and Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi. Michael was a Master Sommelier and his wife Jenne Lee was a restaurant industry executive. Michael died in 2004 but Jenne Lee continues to run the winery. Grapes for Bonaccorsi wines come from vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. The estate makes single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.