Bread & Butter’s Pinot Noir 2023 is an inviting Californian red that beautifully expresses the varietal’s elegant profile within the unique context of the state’s diverse terroir. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this youthful cuvée is notable for its clear ruby colour and aromatic intensity. The wine is marked by classic notes of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberries, underpinned by subtle nuances of baking spice, vanilla, and a delicate hint of oak, the result of gentle élevage in French and American barrels. The 2023 vintage benefits from a balanced, approachable style, combining fresh acidity with soft, polished tannins, making it both accessible and food-friendly.
California’s AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) are renowned for their breadth of microclimates and diversity of soils. While Bread & Butter does not specify a sub-region, the winery typically sources its fruit from cool, coastal-influenced vineyards, where Pacific fog and ocean breezes temper the warm Californian sun. This climatic interplay preserves the grape’s natural acidity and aromatic finesse. California’s viticultural heritage dates back to the 19th century, and Pinot Noir, although a challenging grape, has found particular success in regions such as Carneros, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara. These soils, often alluvial or clay-loam, add complexity to the wines, contributing to their purity of fruit and balanced structure.
This Pinot Noir offers great versatility when it comes to food pairing. Its lively red fruit and moderate body pair wonderfully with roasted poultry, such as herb-crusted chicken or duck with a berry jus. Mushroom risotto or grilled salmon, classic accompaniments to Californian Pinot Noir, work beautifully, accentuating its earthy undertones. For a regional touch, consider serving with a Californian cioppino, the state’s iconic seafood stew, where the wine’s freshness harmonises with tomato and subtle spice.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Bread & Butter Pinot Noir 2023 slightly cool, around 14-16°C. Decanting for half an hour will allow the wine’s expressiveness to unfold, revealing both its vibrant fruit and gentle savoury notes. Enjoy now for its youthful charm or within three years to appreciate its delicate evolution in bottle.
