In the
2009 movie, District 9, aliens invade
the earth and…well, I’m sure you can figure the rest out. There’s no mention if
said aliens liked wine, however if they did, they might have been attracted to
District 7, two districts away.
From
Scheid Vineyards in Monterey County comes a line-up of wines named after an
actual California growing region – AKA Monterey - rather than sub-aliens, District 7. The
region’s wine growing dates back to commercial plantings of Chenin Blanc in
1919, but with historic roots of vineyards (pun intended) dating to the time of
the Spanish Missions in the late 1700s. District 7 also fosters an attractive
price point with these wines not exceeding $20, therefore Scheid has seamlessly
blended quality and value. The portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose’, Sauvignon
Blanc and the Pinot and Chard listed below. All their estate vineyards and
winery are officially certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing
Alliance a statewide certification program that provides third-party
verification of a winery’s commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices. As
they state, “Driving our efforts at District 7 is a core belief that the best
wines come from vineyards and ecosystems that are in balance.” I like that.
2017 Pinot Noir
The Pinot
presents lots of red raspberry, black cherry, boysenberry and cranberry with a
mild acidity running through it. The minimal oak (a mere 10 months of aging
with just 30% new French wood) supports the bright fruit, pulling it down a bit
and balancing it out, adding depth to the wine. In doing this it creates a
deeper Pinot, not an esoteric version as some Pinots can be, but a more earthy
deep red fruit type.
ORIGIN:
Monterey,
California
PRICE: $20/ 750ML
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
2017 Chardonnay
Conversely,
the D7 Chardonnay aims for a more typical Chardonnay with lemon, lime kefir,
guava, white peach, red Delicious apple, honeysuckle and vanilla. This reminds
you why Chardonnay is still the number one wine in the world; creamy,
food-friendly, able to play well with others, its why we love California Chardonnay.
ORIGIN:
Monterey,
California
PRICE: $17.99/ 750ML
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
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| The original 1919 Chenin Blanc Vines located in Chalone |
