Storm Wines Ridge Pinot Noir is a red wine made from carefully selected grapes grown in the Santa Maria Valley in California. This Pinot Noir is a beautiful representation of the region's unique climate and soil, with characteristics of dark berry fruit, spicy earthy tones, and a delicate floral essence. The grapes are handpicked at optimal ripeness for an elegant wine, fermented in open-top tanks and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied wine with a smooth mouthfeel and balanced acidity, making it an excellent pairing for grilled salmon or roasted pork. This wine is a true representation of the winemaker's dedication and passion for producing high-quality Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

A cooler expression of red and black fruit brings with it a spicy graphite note that lends complexity and a sense of maturity, but with a stony, crisp acidity and rounded, beautifully balanced fruit.

About the Winery

The history and story of Strom Wines begin with that of its founder, Hannes Storm. Hannes worked intimately and with dedication in the vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley or ‘Heaven-and-Earth’ in South Africa. Initially, he handled, planted, and cultivated two varieties of grapevines. They consisted of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His ventures and work in this line allowed Hannes to discover and locate two tiny yet exceptional parcels in the area. They featured high-quality terroirs and excellent climatic and soil conditions for the growth of vines. It consisted of the beneficial influence from the Atlantic Ocean and the overall moderate weather. It motivated Hannes to produce his distinct wines.

Thus, Hannes planted the two vineyards with Pinot Noir in 2008. One of them remained located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. On the other hand, the other parcel was in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. In 2012, Hannes’ maiden vintage started coming into the spotlight and gaining the interest of several individuals. The wines spent about 18 months sealed in a bottle for maturation before finally getting released and sold in 2014.

Even today, Hannes handcrafts his Vrede Chardonnay and Vrede Pinot Noir. He does so from the clay-rich, stony, and low-vigour Bokkeveld shale soil of the Valley. In recent times, Storm Wines serves as the sole producer of Pinot Noirs from all the three appellations and regions of the Hemel-en-Aarde.

Storm Wines works with a unique aim and intention. They strive to direct the purest nature of each of their vineyards towards their cork and bottle. That is why the winery functions with careful viticulture and small-scale production. It allows them to focus on the quality of each bottle instead of the numbers. In addition, Storm Wines ensure minimum interference in the cellar and a distinctive character and personality in their wines.

https://www.stormwines.co.za

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