2016 Martinelli Wild Thyme Vineyard Pinot Noir

Martinelli Winery has one of the most romantic histories of any of California’s long-time wineries. Its roots were established in 1887 when a teen-aged couple from Tuscany eloped to the Russian River Valley. Giuseppe Martinelli, who was 19 when he arrived in California with his 16-year-old wife, had been a young winemaker in Italy and wanted to start his own winery in California. By 1905 he owned some extremely steep property in Sonoma County. When his youngest son took over in 1918, the vineyard became known as “Jackass Hill,” since it was said within the family that only a jackass would try to work it. Today the winery is owned by Lee and Carolyn Martinelli. The winery includes 206 acres in the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast. Though the estate makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat, it is best known for its Zinfandel.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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.