The Thanksgiving table screams wine and whereas there is no one particular wine that can accommodate the diverse foods at your table, Pinot Noir is certainly one of the more user-friendly wines. And given that Thanksgiving is time with family and friends, this Benovia Pinot Noir, only the second release from the Martaella Vineyard, is a great way to say thanks to those special people in your life. Benovia is pretty much under the radar, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel out of the Russian River Valley, and this particular Pinot Noir fruit comes from a 41 acre vineyard with nine different Pinot clones on it, therefore there is a uniqueness to this single-vineyard wine, including utilizing native yeasts and a mere 34% new French oak. The result is clear and unmistakable notes of strawberry, cedar, cranberry, pomegranate and floral overtones, backed up by a comprehensive acidity, making this at once rich and round but also as a food wine waiting to impress. There are back notes of lavender, and citrus, and a creamy viscosity. A mere 446 cases were made, and it’s worth seeking out.
Origin: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Average Price: $56/ 750ML
Alcohol: 14.5%
Pair With: Roasted turkey and stuffing, creamy pasta dishes, grilled duck, caprese
Availability: Limited
Website: www.benovia.com
Wine To Go Buy This Week – Thanksgiving Edition - 2013 Benovia Pinot Noir Martaella – 91 POINTS
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