Wines Sonoma Coast Martinelli - Bella Vigna - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Martinelli’s Cuvée Bella Vigna 2022 from Sonoma Coast AVA is a beautifully expressive red wine that highlights the unique character of its Californian terroir. Made predominantly from Pinot Noir, the hallmark grape of the Sonoma Coast, this cuvée comes from a selection of estate vineyards renowned for their cool climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. 2022 was a year marked by moderate temperatures and a long, steady growing season, allowing the grapes to reach full ripeness while maintaining their signature freshness. The winemaking favours gentle extraction to preserve delicate aromatics, followed by aging in French oak to add complexity and refinement without overpowering the natural fruit purity.

The Sonoma Coast AVA is celebrated for its fog-kissed mornings and brisk, maritime breezes, which create idyllic conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The soils, a patchwork of Goldridge sandy loam, clay, and gravel, force the vines to root deeply, enhancing the wine’s elegance and sense of place. The region’s history is intertwined with pioneering families like the Martinellis, who have cultivated vines here for generations, contributing to Sonoma’s reputation as a premium cool-climate region in California’s rich winemaking tapestry.

This vibrant Pinot Noir offers up notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and hints of violet, underscored by subtle earth and spice nuances. Its medium body and fine, silky tannins make it particularly versatile at the table. For classic pairings, consider herb-roasted duck, grilled salmon fillet, or mushroom risotto, as each will highlight the wine’s generous red fruit and savoury undertones. For a taste of regional authenticity, try it alongside California lamb or wild mushroom pizza.

To best appreciate its aromatic complexity and graceful structure, serve the Cuvée Bella Vigna 2022 slightly chilled at 14-16°C. Decant for 30 minutes if possible, and enjoy over the next five to eight years as it continues to develop in bottle.