2016 Kuchan Pinot Noir

Pinot/Grenache

The pinot grapes originate from the coastal region of Monterey County. Unlike flabby Pinot wines Kuchan 2016 Pinot is blended with our Estate Old Vine Grenache planted in 1925. Aged in 40% new oak, this wine is complex, full bodied and reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a deep floral undertones.

SOIL: Pinot Noir is grown with cool Pacific ocean breeze, developing smooth aromas. Ancient vine grenade Lepi Bregi Vineyard is situated on an ancient riverbed, clay loom with large river rocks and excellent drainage. St. George rootstock reaches deep up to 30ft+, allowing for deep extraction of minerals and ground water. Dry farmed for majority of vineyard life.

Soil profile

0-2 ft - Silty Loam / Silty clay / gravel

2-4 ft - silty clay / sandy gravel

4-6ft - sandy clay / pea gravel / 2" rock

6-15ft - riverbed sand w 2" + rock

12ft+ increased sand with mix of larger rock and pea gravel

The vine is a blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Estate Old Vine Grenache.

LABEL - proudly feature image of Kazimir Kučan, Davorin's father.

WINEMAKER NOTES

Blending Pinot with Grenache is a bold choice. But the results are spectacular. Tanins and black fruit aromas from Grenache allow this wine to age gracefully and continue developing for the next 5 years.

The Pinot vineyard is near the Monterrey Bay and benefits from cool ocean breeze. The Grenache Lepi Bregi vineyard sits in the the foothills of Hecker Pass, with hot days and cool coastal fog mornings from Monterey on an ancient river bed in the heart of Santa Clara Valley wine trail

Hand harvested at 25º brix.
Clones: Grenache on St. George rootstock
Dry Farmed
100% destemmed
Carbonic , whole berry fermentation
Aged on the lees in French and American oak, 40% new.
Yeast: Native, Lalvin EC 1117. pH 3.60. TA 5.8 g/L.
Alcohol 14.1%.
6 barrels produced

PAIRING

Grenache blend gives this wine more body and tanins. It allows for more robust, smoky, spicy flavor pairing.

CHEESE: Smoked Gouda,Muenster

MEATS: Roasted Garlic Chicken, Duck, Game

SEAFOOD: Fatty Fish, Smoked Salmon

OTHER: Asparagus, Olives

SWEET: Cherry pie, Black forest cake

TIMING:

Élevage will continue through 2020, best now - 2026