Brutocao Pinot Noir 2013
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Grandfather Irv Bliss purchased the Mendocino County property in the mid- 1940s. When the family began making wine in 1991, they chose the Lion of St. Mark, modeled after a lion at St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, as their symbol of family tradition and quality.
That quality comes from the location of their 475 acres of vineyards in southern Mendocino County. The Brutocao family tradition of serving wine at the table means wines that are produced with good food and good friends in mind.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.