Going clonal at Envolve Winery
When I heard that Envolve Winery was launching a limited run Pinot Noir clonal tasting at their downtown Sonoma tasting room, I had to attend. I knew the basics about clones and that winemakers often used two or three clones to create the perfect blend. However, I did not know how complex, fascinating and tasty clones were on their own, each with their own distinct personalities and flavors, playing important parts in the performance of winemaking.
In the 1 hour experience, Envolve CEO and winemaker Danny Fay led us on a journey of just how complex Pinot Noir is, all from the comforts of Envolve’s downtown Sonoma tasting room. Fay’s passion for Pinot shines through his presentation, which is unpretentious, accessible and energetic. He showed us the three different types of clones used to create Envolve’s Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir: 115, 667, and 777. Using visual tools, he taught us not only the physical and chemical differences of the three clones, but the differences of old world and new world wine, and the “elegance”, “opulence” and other moods of wine.
And of course, there was wine to taste. Envolve has taken the lead in creating a clonal cult following by bottling the three clone types as individual Pinot Noirs for purchase. They usually just make a blend, but, in 2013 they decided to take three barrels of each clone and bottle each in a limited run of 75 cases or less. We tasted five wines: the three clones and the 2012 and 2013 Pinot Noir blend, all using grapes from Sonoma County’s Lennox Vineyard.
The three clones each have their own distinct flavor, which Fay carefully blends together to create the final product, making 303 cases of the 2013 Pinot Noir Blend. Fay walked us through each clone, explaining their history and how each one plays its role in each production.
The 115 was the most complex of the three and was represented in the lowest percentage in the 2013 blend (12%). 777 was the funkiest and it surprised me that it comprised 52% of the blend. Each guest received a booklet to make notes about each wine and beautifully designed coasters featuring photos and facts about each wine. We left the experience feeling enlightened, informed and even more impressed with the complex nature of Pinot Noir.
The Pinot Clonal Experience is a great experience for longtime wine lovers and newbies alike. The tasting runs now until the limited clones are sold out. $40, reservations required. 939-5385; 27 E. Napa St, Sonoma; envolvewinery.com.
