Scheid Family Wines, founded by Al Scheid in 1972, began as just a series of vineyards but evolved into its own family winery, with 12 estate vineyards spread throughout the Salinas Valley. With the valley's diverse microclimates and soils, Scheid has access to a surprising amount of terroir variation. Of all the grape varieties, Pinot Noir is perhaps the most sensitive to its terroir, responding to every fold in the soil and every suggestion of the weather. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from sites on the northern benches of the Salinas Valley in Monterey. Here, the cool, windy, and misty conditions produce wines with superb character, texture, and structure.
Each vineyard is harvested block by block based on flavor and ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes are destemmed, crushed, and fermented in open fermenters. Regular cap immersion during the 2-3 weeks of fermentation and maceration ensures full extraction of the color and flavors. The wine is finally aged for 12 months in French oak barrels to preserve the fruit and enhance its complexity. The District 7 Estate Grown Pinot Noir is very elegant. Aromas of cherry, plum, and raspberry with notes of mocha, vanilla, and smoky oak. The palate is rich, smooth, and silky with a lingering finish of bright red fruit. This is the perfect wine to serve with salmon, pork, lamb, or soft cheeses.
