2017 Sparrow Creek Winery Monterey County, California Pinot Noir

About This Wine

Salmon is often thought of as a perfect pairing partner for Pinot Noir.

That’s especially true of Pinot Noir from the cooler climes of California, including the Monterey area near the top of the Golden State’s vast Central Coast region. Sparrow Creek sourced its Pinot Noir grapes from Monterey for the 2017 vintage, and the result is a cuvee worthy of salmon and many other culinary delights.

Check out the box for our tasting panel’s recommended salmon preparation to accompany this wine. Or consider the Sparrow Creek vintner’s suggested pairing partners: tuna, swordfish, lobster, shrimp, roast chicken, duck, pasta dishes and sushi. Yes, the 2017 Sparrow Creek Pinot Noir certainly satisfies an abundance of pairing preferences.

To help elevate the fruit flavor of the wine, some of the lots were aged in American oak barrels, and others in French oak. The finished product is easy drinking, extremely food friendly and delicious.

About Pinot Noir

Very sensitive to climate and handling in winery, this fickle grape of Burgundy yields low tannin and acidity, medium colors and lifespan. Classic berry, cherry and currant flavors, silky textures typically balanced with spicy or floral tones.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:Pinot Noir
• Grape Source:Monterey Growing Area of California’s Central Coast
• Aromas & Flavors:Light Red Cherry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Vanilla and a Hint of Smoke
• Aging Vessels:New and Seasoned French and American Oak Barrels for 9 to 12 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2020
• Food Pairing Suggestion:plank-roasted smoked salmon with shallots, cracked pepper and blackberry demi-glace.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

14 recipes match for this wine.

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  Duck Breast With Red Wine Risotto This recipe calls for a good quality red wine, and we suggest either Pinot Noir, Merlot. Whichever you choose, we also suggest serving that wine with the meal. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of anything-goes-food-and-wine pairing, we're on the lookout for recipes that match well with red OR white wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pinot Noir Sauce Try this flavorful sauce over lambprime rib, and serve with Pinot Noir, Malbec red blend... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Duck A La Orange Just in case this year's California wildfires impart a smoky flavor to vintage 2008 wines, here's a recipe that will match up nicely. Otherwise, try this dish - developed by Garre Winery Executive Chef Ty Turner -- with naturally smoky wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Syrah. Get The Recipe
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  Grenoble Style Salmon This recipe, which matches beautifully with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Green Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette With almost any type of salad, we suggest Sauvignon Blanc as a well-matched wine. But because of the cranberry flavor featured in this recipe, you may want to try a wine that includes cranberry among its aromas and flavors. We tried it with a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, and it turned out to be an intriguing and enticing combination. Get The Recipe
  

  Mushroom Barley Stew A fruity red wine is the perfect match for this hearty recipe, which serves 4 to 6. MUSHROOM BARLEY STEW Ingredients - 1 T olive oil - 2 carrots, chopped... Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
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  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey, ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  The Perfect Potatoes With the holidays on the horizon, several ACWC members have asked us for recipes to accompany main dishes such as turkey, ham. Here's one we love - and it can even be a meal in itself, served with a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. It makes 6 to 8 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Balsamic Maple Glazed Salmon Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir, Syrah. Get The Recipe