It was an evening that was well overdue. My husband, my good friend and I went out to dinner, and we shared a bottle of Estancia Pinot Grigio from Estancia Winery. Because it was the last of the hot days of summer, a nice white wine seemed very much in order.
Estancia Winery Pinot Grigio
Estancia Winery and Estates origins harkens back 200 years when the first grape vines were planted by Franciscan monks near the Soledad Mission in the area that is now known as the Monterey Wine Region in California. These monks recognized the region’s climate as the perfect place for developing the intense characteristics from wine grapes needed to make great wine.
Estancia Winery and Estates was founded in 1986 when Augustin Huneeus purchased Paul Mason Vineyard in Soledad, followed closely by the Pinnacles Vineyards California.
What I found interesting was the location the Franciscans chose was perfect for producing artisan wines because of a marine canyon located beneath the cold waters of the Monterey Bay. The immense size and depth of this spectacular underwater feature is called “The Blue Grand Canyon.” The impact of the canyon extends north to south along a 90-mile valley, which provides a natural air conditioning system extending the natural growing season. This effect is known as “The Thermal Rainbow.”
Today the Monterey’s Wine Region that lies in “The Thermal Rainbow” remains one of California’s largest and most significant wine growing regions with over 42 wine varietals and 175 vineyards.
The name Estancia in Spanish is the word for “estate.” At the heart of the Estancia Winery and their winemakers is the belief that the world’s best wines can only be captured in the place of their origins. Their Estancia Pinot Grigio is but one great example of the many wines Estancia is now producing today. With their prices around $10, give or take, their wines are very attractive for any wine buyer.
This is what the winemaker has to say about their Estancia Winery Pinot Grigio:
“This lively artisan wine’s tropical flavors and crisp minerality reveal why we love the cool climate of our acclaimed California vineyards. It is a pale straw gold in color, with a slightly green tint with aromas of passion fruit, sandalwood, and grapefruit. This Pinot Grigio is fresh and light; well-balanced; dry and crisp in the finish with hints of lively green apple, asian pear, and lime. It pairs well with smoked salmon, tuna, citrus sauces, seafood, poultry or pork.”
You can find this fun, reasonably priced Estancia Winery Pinot Grigio at wine.com, BevMo.com, totalwine.com, amazon.com, CostPlus/World Market, many good grocery stores or wine purveyors.
This Estancia Winery Pinot Grigio was a delightful wine for a fun filled evening with my husband and my friend. What more could you ask for – a good wine, a great meal and sharing laughter and conversation with the people you enjoy.
Time for a glass…
If you enjoyed reading about this “Estancia Winery Pinot Grigio,” check out Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio, K Viognier (Columbia Valley) and Gainey Chardonnay.
P.S.: Check out a few of my favorite wine tools and resources below. 🙂